Microscopy Resources

Educational resources for Microscopists

The most useful training in optical techniques are covered in optical mineralogy taught in many university geoscience departments. If this is not an option for you here are a few places that you can get optical mineralogy and advanced training on the use of microscopes:

• Georgia Microscopical Society
• Hooke College of Applied Sciences
• The McCrone Research Institute – Private institution in the Chicago area providing thorough instruction on advance techniques in microscopy, micro-chemical analysis, and photomicrography.
• MICA, microscopy consulting and analysis – MICA is headed by Peter Cooke, an outstanding instructor in microscopical techniques.
• The Quekett Microscopical Club – This British microscope club website contains vast resources on microscopes and their use.
• World Microscope Day – The word microscope was coined on April 13, 1625 by Giovanni Farber to describe the compound microscope of Galileo Galilei.  The first World Microscope Day celebration was held April 13, 2021 with a 24-hour Zoom meeting with many presentations. All presentations are available on the Quekett Microscopical Club website.

Equipment and supplies for the microscopists

Buying good microscopes (you’ll need at least two) and the accessories and equipment to outfit your lab takes time and a lot of patience.  Here are good microscope dealers and accessory dealers:

• eBay – eBay is a great place to find new and used microscopes as well as rare accessories for the scopes.
• Martin Microscopes – Martin Microscopes is a second generation new and used microscope dealer.  They sell great microscopes and accessories.  They have partnered with machinists to build camera adapters and other accessories for the microscopists.
• Ward’s Natural Science – Ward’s is a good supplier for consumables like microscope slides and coverslips and other accessories.