GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Polarizing microscopy is effective to examine food products that exhibit optical anisotropy or birefringence. Several food components are birefringent, notably starch granules, fat crystals, and protein fibers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Pleochroism is when a mineral changes color as it is rotated relative to the polarizer in plane polarized light. This effectively shows how the color properties of the mineral vary with direction within the crystal structure. Testing for pleochroism using a polarizing light microscope is straightforward.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cross-polarisation, with regard to visible light, is a process wherein two polarisers with perpendicular orientation to one another are used on the incident and reflected lights. Under cross-polarised light birefringent structures which are otherwise invisible become apparent.

Detailed explanation-4: -The polarizing microscope is particularly useful in the study of birefringent materials such as crystals and strained non-crystalline substances. It is widely used for chemical microscopy and optical mineralogy. The current specimen is equipped with a quick change, centering nosepiece and a graduated, rotating stage.