May 12-16 Enrollment Closed
Next Date: July 28-August 1, 2008

Students study crystallographic and optical properties of asbestos minerals, the various substances likely to occur (and often confused) with asbestos and the procedures for sample preparation and fiber identification. Both serpentine and amphibole asbestos types are included.

There is no prerequisite for this course.

Day 1:

• Setting up the microscope
• Koehler illumination
• Micrometry
• Particle Morphology

Day 2:

• Optical Crystallography Single polar
• Measuring refractive indices
• Pleochroism
• Dispersion Staining

Day 3:

• Optical Crystallography Crossed polars
• Birefringence
• Sign of elongation
• Extinction characteristics
• Study of known asbestos fibers and other insulation components

Day 4:

• Study of known insulation

Day 5:

• Study of known insulation

Note: This course runs Monday-Friday with class ending at noon on Friday.

Additional Dates: July 28-August 1, 2008
Additional Dates: September 15-19, 2008
Additional Dates: November 10-14, 2008