This clear and concise book assists learners as they look at thin sections. It focuses on the practical, need-to-know information absolutely necessary for work in the laboratory. KEY TOPICS Chapter topics cover: what is light?, polarization of light and the polarizing microscope, the velocity of light in crystals and the refractive index, interaction of light and crystals, other mineral characteristics in thin sections, and a detailed mineral description. For individuals interested in mineralogy and/or petrology.