Introducing
.
POLARAVIEW
(TM).
A simple and revolutionary pocket polarizer that allows for viewing of standard 26 mm x 46 mm sized petrographic thin sections with nothing more than hand lenses. * This accessory will allow for one to examine minerals in petrographic thin sections in vivid color. Thin sections are 30 micron thick sections of rock or meteorites mounted on special glass slides. (see notes at end of this page for what constitutes the standard slide format) Without a petrographic microscope, costing thousands of dollars, or my Polaraview, thin sections are unremarkable, and colorless. Under polarized light minerals become evident in brilliant color, and those familiar with minerology can with it determine the minerals found in thin sections of rocks or meteorites.
.
"POLARAVIEW"
This remarkable accessory can be used with just about any microscope, cheap or expensive. It can also be used with simple geologist hand lenses. Terrific photomicrographs can also be taken with just about any digital camera with 10x function as the following photos attest, which were taken with a Sony Mavica 10x camera held in hand to the Polaraview window.
NWA998, a extremely rare Martian meteorite as seen directly through Polaraview using a Sony Mavica camera with 10X held in hand, and focused on specimen.
NWA998, as seen without Polaraview, demonstrating the efficacy of this viewier.
BILANGA, a rare achondrite that fell in Africa in 1999.
SHISR7 A rare urelite from the Sahara
NWA998 as viewed under high magnification using a simple $30 student microscope and an Intel Webcam. Image is grainy due to limitations of the Intel Webcam, yet it still reveals important details. Dark line crossing specimen are Martian hydrated minerals.
The camera used was a low resolution Sony Mavica 10x with the POLARAVIEW pocket polarizer held in one hand and the camera in the other. The photos are not retouched, and reveal striking petrologic detail in the Martian meteorite NWA998, Bilanga diogenite and SHISR 07 urelite thin sections.
I have been working on this for over a year, perfecting the plastic castings, designing and machining the rotating ring. I was very fortunate to acquire glass polarizers at surplus. These have minor imperfections that in no way hinder function and the best lens is in the rotating viewing ring. Only 17 of these glass polarizer models will be produced, and afterwards this unit will be made with quality plastic polarizers and at a lower cost, (glass polarizers may be offered at a later date as an option, but at greater cost)
Price… $100.00… for standard model. Satisfaction guaranteed.
I am taking pre-orders for the remaining introductory glass polarizer models. Colors for now are cream white and black. To place an order send your replies to:
american_meteorite_survey@yahoo.com
In the order that the responses are received the units will be made. And when completed (for now these are all hand made) I will notify you for payment details and it will be shipped upon receipt.
NOTE:
Industry standard for petrologic slides is 26 mm x 46mm. Currently there are several dealers making thin sections that are odd ball non-standard sized. These slides measure 25mm x 75mm (1" x 3") and or 25 mm x 38 mm (1" x 1.5"). The 26mm x 38 mm slide will work with my polarizer, but if the specimen is off center, then it will not. If you are collecting petrographic slides be certain that they comply with industry standards with the specimen centered which will allow for their use in all industry standard microscope equipment.
Steve Schoner IMCA #4470
Copyright S. R Schoner 2002