The Virtual Petrological Microscope


The modules that make up the microscope are independent and flexible. They derive parameters specifying their initial configuration from the particular web page that they are embedded in, but changes are then effected by messages sent between the modules.

click image for demo

Single View

The 'dual view' microscope, is useful for introducing topics in mineralogy. The plane and cross polarised view can be seen and rotated at the same time, something that is not possible with a conventional microscope.

click image for demo

Single View
The 'single view' microscope more closely resembles the experience with a conventional petrological microscope. Only one rotating view can be seen at a time, and the user must appreciate when it is appropriate to switch views.


Overlay
It is also possible to add extra Flash 'buttons' on the web page to change attributes of the petrological views. For example graphic overlays may be set to appear for the complete rotation, or just over a certain range of angles.

Stop Press


Images derived from a Martian meteorite have recently been added to the prototype virtual microscope. The thin section from the Martian meteorite is part of the research of Dr Mahesh Anand of the OU’s Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) and the images were processed by Dr Andy Tindle of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

View the KMi Planet News Story >>


Previous Website


Original Virtual Microscope
New versions of the petrological microscope have been developed intermittently at the Open University since the early '90's. For the previous version of this web site click here.


Contact us


For more information about the project contact Dr Peter Whalley

For mineralogical aspects of the project, contact Dr Andy Tindle, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.