Professionals in many disciplines, from archeology to forensic science and anthropology, must be able to identify organic and inorganic fibers and particles. In a single source, this book presents a range of simple methods to help readers quickly characterize and identify a broad range of materials. Covering substances such as hair and fibers, minerals and soils, paints, drugs, and dust, the book presents the basic principles of microscopy and directions for sample preparation and examination. Most importantly, it offers more than 400 color photomicrographs of the most commonly encountered materials for specimen comparison and rapid identification.