Gorgeous photography of the elements

Sure it's possible to take some pretty decent photos with the Kena, and the price isn't too unreasonable. In the long run, though, a great photographer with a really nice camera can just outclass what you and I might be able to manage in the classroom.

( monoclinic sulfur - source)

Yes, there's value in having the students see the crystals grown, in letting them adjust the cooling rate to change the crystal sizes, allowing them to smell the sulfur in the air.

But there's also value in seeing some really gorgeous photos of crystals, like this stunning palladium sample...

(palladium - source)

There are all of these and a whole lot more available over on the Flickr galleries of R Tanaka:

• the elements
• minerals
• crystals

Tip of the hat to Neatorama for posting about these great photos.