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Photographic gallery.  Thousands of particles under the microscope.

Asphalt Particle Dissolving in Mounting Medium

Transmitted Off Crossed Polarized Light Illumination

Asphalt is soluble in the xylene solvent used for the mounting medium. A trail of
dissolved asphalt and fine grained minerals can be seen coming from the particle. This
is a classic example of road debris and is more common on hot days when the asphalt is soft.