Polarized Light Microscopy in Conservation: A Personal Perspective

A conservator in any area of art or archaeology should know what materials he or she is dealing with. The microscopist quickly identifies metals, minerals, ceramics, vegetable and wood fibers, animal hairs (species), textile fibers, corrosion products, pigments, media, supports, dyes, inks, etc. Although many other useful microanalytical techniques are available, the only instrument capable of such complete characterization and identification for such a variety of diverse substances is the polarized light microscope.