Glass
Examination of glass occurs when a crime scene contains broken
glass and the suspect, or items related to the suspect, contain glass fragments. In some instances a victim of a hit and
run will have glass from the striking vehicle's windshield or headlights. Most glass examinations arise due to
burglaries. The smallest of glass particles, not readily seen, can be analyzed.
Glass varies in color, shape, thickness, refractive
index as well as other characteristics. It is these characteristics that a
forensic examiner will look at in comparing two samples of glass.
Dispersion Staining of glass using a polarized light microscope.
