Applications of a Metallurgical Microscope
A metallurgical microscope is different from other microscopes because of its ability to study objects with highly polished surfaces like metals. Due to the various possible applications of a metallurgical microscope, buying one would give you a multipurpose investment. For science enthusiasts, the many applications of a metallurgical microscope will allow them to explore different fields and broaden their knowledge with just one tool.
Applications of a Metallurgical Microscope
Although a metallurgical microscope is primarily built as a valuable tool in metallurgy – the study of metals and alloys – and more specifically metallography – the microscopic examination of metals and alloys, a metallurgical microscope, especially a high-end one, is generally equipped to provide great help in other fields of materials science as well.
Metallurgy – As mentioned, metallography is the study of metals and alloys. A metallurgical microscope can help in identifying objects through its physical structure and properties.
Metallography – In this art and science field, metal surfaces are prepared for microscopic analyses either by etching, polishing, or grinding the object in order to show its microstructure. An expert in metallography can easily identify properties and processing conditions of a metal or alloy sample with a metallographic analysis.
Archaeometallurgy – A subfield under metallurgy and archaeology, archaeometallurgy is the study of the history of metal use and production. With proper education and adequate experience, you can study a prehistoric metal object with a metallurgical microscope and be able to determine its processing condition and use.
Crystallography – Many material scientists use crystallography to help them in various kinds of research. Single crystals, for instance, when studied under a metallurgical microscope will provide vital information about the crystalline arrangement of its atoms because a crystal’s natural shape usually reflects its atomic structure. Crystallography also helps in deciphering defects in crystals and developing preventive and rehabilitative measures for them.
Crystallography is also one of the keys of identifying and understanding physical properties of many objects. A metallurgical microscope will reveal the plate-like structure of clay and further study will show that its very structure is the cause of its easily moldable characteristic.
Phase identification and enumeration of symmetry patterns in a given object can also be achieved with crystallography.
Gemology – This is a wonderful and interesting field under mineralogy. Gemology, the art, science, and profession of identifying and evaluating precious stones, may not be one of the primary applications of metallurgical microscopes but the latter is adequately equipped to answer basic questions in gemology. Properly educated and licensed gemologists would need post-graduate training and work experience in order to become a licensed appraiser as well. An appraiser has the ability to attach a monetary value to a certain gemstone or jewelry piece.
Specializations under gemology may be based on the type of gemstones. You can use your metallurgical microscope, for instance, to become adept in studying rubies or diamonds.
In the old days, only natural and well-known gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds were studied. Today, however, and with the discovery and development of synthetic gemstones like moissanite and cubic zirconia, the applications of gemology have also expanded to include them. Now, it’s important for gemologists to identify if a gemstone is natural or synthetic, fracture-filled, treated, and color-enhanced.
With diamonds, for instance, an expert eye and a metallurgical microscope are all what’s necessary to make a reasonable evaluation based on the four known C’s – cut, color, clarity, and carat. Generally, however, gems are categorized according totheir refractive index, specific gravity, crystal structure, and other optical characteristics.
Mineralogy – This refers to the study of the physical and chemical properties of minerals. A metallurgical microscope can help mineralogists identify a mineral and determine its origin, use, and geographical distribution. In physical mineralogy, characteristics like color, streak, hardness, specific gravity, luster, twinning, cleavage, and crystal structure and habit are studied.
Forensic Metallurgy – Believe it or not but your metallurgical microscope may be your first tool to help you turn into a CSI detective of your local neighborhood. Forensic metallurgy specifically deals with investigating and analyzing products and structures with metallic components found in a crime scene or related to a crime case.
Forensic metallurgy can help determine series of events leading to an accident or a questionable incident and determine the cause of a malfunctioning product or structure. For forensic metallurgy, a special type of compound metallurgical microscope is used to be able to compare two samples or specimens with each other.
These are not all the possible applications of a metallurgical microscope. Ultimately, as long as the product or item in question possesses metallic elements then it can definitely be inspected with a metallurgical microscope.
