| The Nicol prism is made up from two prisms of calcite cemented with Canada balsam. |
| It is also used in optical instrument such as polarizing microscopes and Nicol prisms. |
| The two beams, with two different planes of polarization, are then analyzed by another Nicol prism. |
| The Nicol prism, which is made entirely of calcite, a doubly refracting mineral, isolates one beam cleanly. |
| Although its significance went unrecognised at the time, the Nicol prism is now used in all polarising microscopes today. |
| Below the stage is a mirror to reflect light up through the specimen and a Nicol prism can be swung in to polarise the light. |
