Rock samples, when viewed in thin section via a cross-polar light microscope are absolutely beautiful. The colours and patterns revealed help identify the rock in question and help transform an otherwise dull rock into a thing of grandeur.

The attached linky will demonstrate these colours. Amazing stuff.

Taking [zircon]'s marble keyboard as a basis, I propose that the keyboard is fitted with a cross-polarised light source within each key.

The keys are made of a laminate of transparent plastic, a thin section of rock and topped with a magnifying lens. This makes each key a mini microscope for viewing the thin section of rock within.

All keys are circular and can be twisted through 90 degrees in either direction which helps reveal the wonderful birefringence colours.

Not cheap ... but a thing of beauty.
-- jonthegeologist, Feb 02 2004

Get your rocks off here http://sorrel.humbo...trography.page.html
Rocks and minerals in cross-polarised thin section. [jonthegeologist, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

[zircon]'s excellent idea http://www.halfbake...a/Marble_20Keyboard
[jonthegeologist, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

How the cross-polarised light microscope works http://www.ukescc.c...roducts/optmin.html
[jonthegeologist, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

It's all very educationally stimulating, but it could end up looking like a migraine-inducing dog's dinner unless you use some discretion in your choice of rocks.

That said I like it although I don't know how well it would stand up to the cats walking on it. They probably won't appreciate its beauty and wondrousity.
-- hazel, Feb 02 2004


I'd like to see variants on this theme - mathematical keyboard art, constellation keyboard. A game of life keyboard is something I would pay for.
-- Detly, Feb 02 2004


I'd buy a muddy-footprint keyboard.
-- Letsbuildafort, Feb 02 2004


For coordination with Gnome?
-- Detly, Feb 02 2004


Who sir?. Me sir?
-- gnomethang, Feb 02 2004



random, halfbakery