Polarized Light Microscopy Research Articles

Birefringence analysis is an essential tool in both histological and cytological diagnostics, particularly with stains such as Picrosirius Red for collagen and Congo Red for amyloid. However, polarized light microscopy remains limited in many laboratories due to cost and accessibility barriers. We describe a low-cost "do-it-yourself" (DIY) approach using commercial polarizing films to adapt a standard brightfield microscope for birefringence visualization. Thirty gastrocnemius muscle sections stained with Picrosirius Red were analyzed using both a commercial polarized light system and the DIY setup. Quantitative image analysis was performed with ImageJ, and agreement between methods was assessed with ROC curve analysis. The DIY method achieved an AUC of 0.6252 (p = 0.0309) and 99% inter-observer concordance, demonstrating fair agreement with the commercial system. This simple, validated method expands access to birefringence-based diagnostics and has potential applications in cytological contexts, such as amyloid detection in fine-needle aspirates and collagen assessment in cytospin preparations.

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive scoring system for assessing the human oocyte meiotic spindle (MS) to predict embryological outcomes from both fresh and cryopreserved oocytes. Human oocytes were evaluated using polarized light microscopy before and after cryopreservation. Each oocyte was scored using the MOL system, which assigns a three-digit code reflecting MS Morphology, Orientation, and Localization. Morphology categories included barrel-shaped, altered, enlarged, poor visualization, or absence of MS. Orientation was assessed in relation to the first polar body (PB1), and localization was measured by angular displacement from the PB1. Changes in MS characteristics due to cryopreservation were recorded, and their associations with fertilization and euploid blastocyst development were analyzed. Cryopreservation led to observable alterations in MS morphology, orientation, and localization, resulting in a redistribution of variants across the MOL classification. A strong correlation was found between specific MOL scores and the likelihood of successful fertilization and chromosomally normal embryo development. Each MOL category variant showed distinct predictive value for embryological outcomes in both fresh and cryopreserved oocytes. The MOL scoring system provides a reliable, structured approach for predicting oocyte fertilization capacity and embryo developmental potential. Its applicability to both fresh and cryopreserved oocytes, along with its potential for automation, suggests significant clinical value in assisted reproductive technologies. Furthermore, the structured and quantifiable data generated by the MOL scoring system offer a valuable foundation for training machine learning models aimed at enhancing predictive accuracy and supporting decision-making in embryo selection.

Mapping the brain's fiber network is crucial for understanding its function and malfunction, but resolving nerve trajectories over large fields of view is challenging. Here, we show that computational scattered light imaging (ComSLI) can map fiber networks in histology independent of sample preparation, also in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues including whole human brain sections. We showcase this method in new and archived, animal and human brain sections, for different sample preparations (in paraffin, deparaffinized, various stains, unstained fresh-frozen). We convert microscopic orientations to microstructure-informed fiber orientation distributions (μFODs). Adapting tractography tools from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), we trace axonal trajectories revealing white and gray matter connectivity. These allow us to identify altered microstructure or deficient tracts in demyelinating or neurodegenerating pathology, and to show key advantages over dMRI, polarization microscopy, and structure tensor analysis. Finally, we map fibers in non-brain tissues, including muscle, bone, and blood vessels, unveiling the tissue's function. Our cost-effective, versatile approach enables micron-resolution studies of intricate fiber networks across tissues, species, diseases, and sample preparations, offering new dimensions to neuroscientific and biomedical research.

Abstract Introduction Gout is a common crystal arthropathy that typically presents with acute monoarthritis of peripheral joints. Extra-articular tophaceous disease is rarely seen as the initial manifestation. We present an unusual case of a young man with a family history of gout who developed supraclavicular masses causing thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Initial surgical excision was undertaken due to concerns about malignancy. Only on recurrence and re-excision was the diagnosis of urate crystal deposition confirmed. This case highlights the importance of considering gout in atypical locations and the role of advanced imaging and surgical pathology in diagnosis. Case description A 30-year-old male with a known family history of gout (twin brother and uncle) presented with subacute onset of right shoulder and neck pain. Examination revealed a firm supraclavicular mass. Imaging confirmed compressive masses behind the right clavicle, raising concern for malignancy or a vascular anomaly. He underwent thoracic outlet decompression including 1st rib and pectoralis minor excision with subclavian vein bypass. Intraoperatively, chalky white material was noted. Histology suggested a granulomatous foreign body reaction, but no definitive diagnosis was made. The patient recovered but re-presented with recurrence of the mass six months later. A second surgery revealed similar chalky material and a fluid analysis confirmed monosodium urate crystals on polarised light microscopy. This was further confirmed with a dual-energy CT (DECT) scan showing multifocal urate deposition at the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints (see attached DECT images – urate crystals denoted in green). Subsequently, he reported a new self-limiting attack of podagra. Serum urate was also elevated at 480 µmol/L. Allopurinol was initiated at 200 mg daily, with a repeat level of 328 µmol/L. The patient remains under rheumatology follow-up. Allopurinol was titrated to 400 mg to achieve a serum urate target <300 µmol/L as per BSR guidelines. Naproxen and gastroprotection were prescribed for future flares. The DECT scan of the right shoulder area shows the appearance of multifocal urate crystal deposition along the capsular attachments of the sternoclavicular and AC joints on the right side (green denotes urate crystals; purple can be ignored - cartilage). Discussion This case illustrates an unusual presentation of gout, masquerading initially as a sinister supraclavicular mass with compressive features mimicking TOS. The initial surgical exploration, although essential due to clinical suspicion, did not yield a diagnosis until the recurrence provided the opportunity for more targeted crystal analysis. The presence of chalky material intraoperatively should prompt consideration of gout, even in atypical locations. The patient had a suggestive family history and prior peripheral joint symptoms, but the rarity of axial gout meant this was not initially suspected. Serum urate was normal at first presentation, which likely contributed to diagnostic delay. This reflects the known limitation that serum urate can be normal during active disease. The diagnosis was ultimately confirmed using a combination of repeat histology and polarised microscopy, supported by DECT imaging which offered non-invasive localisation of urate deposits. The DECT findings were instrumental in guiding ongoing management and reassuring both patient and team regarding the nature of the recurrence. Treatment has focused on achieving urate lowering below target thresholds, consistent with BSR guidelines. Given prior surgical morbidity, a conservative approach is preferred for any recurrence. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge in atypical gout presentations and supports a lower threshold for crystal evaluation in unexplained masses. Questions for further discussion include: Should DECT be used earlier in diagnostic work-up for atypical soft tissue masses? What is the optimal surveillance strategy for extra-articular gout post-surgery? Key learning points • Gout can rarely present as a soft tissue mass in axial locations, mimicking malignancy or causing structural compression such as thoracic outlet syndrome. • DECT is a valuable diagnostic tool in atypical presentations, providing non-invasive localisation of urate deposits and confirming diagnosis where aspiration is not feasible.

Association of lung silica deposition with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant lung cancer.

Characterization of Crinone®: progesterone vaginal gel.

A new screening framework to support the identification of exogenous particles and suspect microplastics in situ in pathological tissue samples.

This study explores the development of bigels (BGs) combining a hydrophilic hydrogel (HG) and a lipophilic oleogel (OG) for co-delivery of two carob fruit extracts (CFEs): I-CFE (inositols) and P-CFE (phenolics). The BGs were formulated in HG:OG ratios of 70:30 and 30:70, using a sodium alginate-based HG and an OG composed of olive pomace oil (OPO) and microcrystalline wax (MW). CFEs were loaded in three modes: I-CFE in HG, P-CFE in OG, and both in their respective phases. Rheological, thermal, physicochemical, and microstructural properties were assessed. All the BGs exhibited solid-like viscoelastic behavior, with greater rigidity in 30:70 formulations. The OG phase enhanced the structural BG network, especially when loaded with P-CFE. At 70:30, I-CFE conferred pseudoplasticity and conformational flexibility, particularly in the absence of P-CFE. At 30:70, both extracts acted synergistically, increasing mechanical strength and network organization. Thermal analysis confirmed MW’s role in structuration, with the BGs showing melting peaks between 40–50 °C. The effects studied affected color and stability. Polarized light microscopy confirmed organized microstructures. This is the first work demonstrating the structuring potential and interactive effects of dual carob extracts (I-CFE and P-CFE) within BGs. All the BGs showed suitable fat-replacer properties, remaining self-standing for 21 days, except the 70:30 I-CFE-free formulation. The findings highlight the potential of CFE-loaded BGs as multifunctional fat replacers in healthier meat products.

Cholesterol crystals in reservosomes of Trypanosoma cruzi.

BackgroundCalcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are commonly found in many plant species. These crystals vary in distribution and morphology and to elucidate their role in plants multiple methods have been applied. Raman imaging and polarized light microscopy (PLM) easily visualize the crystals within plant tissues, but both methods are limited in spatial resolution by the diffraction of light. To unravel the distinctive shape and morphology of CaOx crystals down to the nanoscale and how they are embedded within cells, high resolution scanning electron microscopy is needed. To grasp the full potential of multiple methods in CaOx studies, a novel and easy-to-build correlative sampling approach is presented on different nut species (pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna) and black walnut (Juglans nigra)), including soft tissues (young developmental stages) as well as hard tissues (mature nutshells).ResultYoung seed coat tissues as well as mature nutshells included distinct morphological CaOx features, like druses and prismatic crystals. By Raman imaging the chemical composition of all investigated crystals was verified as calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and Raman band intensity changed according to crystal plane orientation with respect to incident laser polarisation. Calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) was only found in the young C. illinoinensis seed coat and was restricted to a few pixels adjacent to cell walls. These thin cell walls were identified as pectin-rich, while in the mature nutshells the crystals were surrounded by thicker and highly lignified cell walls. The Raman and light microscopy results were correlated with SEM images, which gave additional information on crystal surface structure and/or internal porosity on the nanoscale.ConclusionThe presented correlative approach preserved the structural integrity of crystals and cellular structures during cutting and transferring between microscopes. Analysing exactly the same sample (position) by Raman, polarized light microscopy and SEM opens the view on the distribution within tissues and cells as well as the molecular structure of the crystals and adjacent cell structures. Such a comprehensive in-situ characterization paves the way for a better understanding of mineralization processes of different minerals in all kinds of biological tissues.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13007-025-01463-9.

Polyhydroxybutyrate hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHx) is a bio polymer that is manufactured and degraded by microbes. Because of the potential to replace polymers derived from petrochemicals with these materials, there is a high level of expectation for its commercial uses if its physical and chemical properties can be understood and controlled. Among other things these properties are determined by the polymer's morphology - that is its crystallinity, and orientation of both crystalline and amorphous phases. The focus on the Raman characteristics of the crystalline phase enables elucidation of the characteristics of the polymer experiencing dynamic crystallization under various conditions. In this article we will start by reviewing the changes in the Raman spectrum from an amorphous to a crystalline material in an isothermal crystallization study. In that study a correlation field splitting between a CH stretching band that interacts with the carbonyl group on the opposite chain in the unit cell was identified. Then we will show the polarized Raman spectra of single crystals which enable an explanation of the residual amorphous material seen in the spectra of single crystals. Using the information from the single crystal measurements we can then study the Raman behavior of spherulites and confirm the model that proposes an explanation for the appearance of rings in the polarized light microscope (PLM) images of some spherulites. The polarized Raman studies confirm that the crystal ribbons that grow along the radii are twisting about the growth direction. The 2D-COS analysis of the polarized spectra of spherulites suggest the presence of strain that has been proposed to induce the twisting.

This study investigates the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinite from the Monteferrato area (Tuscany, Italy) to evaluate its potential use in Tuscany architectural restoration. The research addresses the need to identify replacement materials compatible with historic stones while preserving their original features. Representative specimens from the Bagnolo quarry were analysed through physical testing and a wide range of mineralogical and geochemical techniques, including polarised light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis, whole-rock chemistry, and fibre quantification. The results show a mineralogical composition dominated by serpentine-group minerals and magnetite, with physical properties generally consistent across samples. Measured capillary water absorption ranges from 3.27 to 5.27 g/m2·s0.5, open porosity from 5.25% to 8.93%, apparent densities range from 2.49 to 2.56 g/cm3, and imbibition coefficient from 2.16% to 3.71%. Comparative analysis with serpentinite from historic sources (Figline di Prato quarry, Tuscany) and from monuments (Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence) demonstrates close compositional and textural affinities, supporting the suitability of the rock from the studied quarry for restoration purposes in Tuscany monuments. However, chrysotile concentrations up to 14,153 mg/kg, exceeding Italian regulatory thresholds, represent a critical limitation. This not only requires the implementation of strict safety measures but also raises serious concerns regarding the practical feasibility of using this stone in conservation projects. More broadly, the presence of asbestiform minerals in serpentinites highlights a significant and often underestimated health risk associated with their extraction, processing, and use. Despite its importance, detailed fibre count data are rarely published or made publicly accessible, hindering both transparent risk assessment and informed decision-making. By integrating petrographic, mineralogical, and physical–mechanical characterisation with fibre quantification, this study not only assesses the technical suitability of Monteferrato serpentinites for restoration of Tuscan monuments but also contributes to a more responsible and evidence-based approach to their use, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and health protection in conservation practices.

Abstract Background and Aims Hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid have emerged as a potential cause of calcium oxalate nephropathy, a condition rarely reported in medical literature. Method We present a clinical case of acute kidney injury (AKI) linked to hair smoothing treatment in a young female patient, highlighting its diagnostic challenges. Results A 27-year-old woman with no prior medical history presented with symptoms of asthenia, nausea, epigastric pain, and bilateral lumbar pain. She reported reduced urine output. Physical examination was unremarkable, with stable hemodynamics and no peripheral edema. Laboratory tests showed severe AKI with serum creatinine at 456 µmol/L and urea at 9.6 mmol/L. Urinalysis revealed leukocyturia without proteinuria or hematuria. Serum electrolytes were within normal ranges, except for mild metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate 14.5 mmol/L). Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable, ruling out obstructive causes. Given the absence of systemic autoimmune markers (negative ANA, ANCA, and normal complement levels) and the lack of infectious signs, nephrotoxic exposure was suspected. The patient reported recent use of a hair straightening product containing “Brazilian Cacao Protein,” causing scalp irritation. Renal biopsy demonstrated interstitial edema with inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrates and intratubular calcium oxalate crystals under polarized light microscopy. Skin biopsy of the scalp confirmed epidermal necrosis consistent with chemical irritation. Conclusion Histopathological and urine sediment findings support the hypothesis that the pathophysiological mechanism involves dermal absorption of glyoxylic acid, subsequently metabolized into oxalate, inducing calcium oxalate crystallization. Similar cases was reported in Switzerland and France and this hypothesis was also confirmed in experimental murine models exposed to glyoxylic acid-based hair products. Hair smoothing products containing glyoxylic acid represent an underrecognized cause of oxalate nephropathy, warranting regulatory review and public health intervention. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of exposure are essential to prevent irreversible renal damage.

Alendronate (ALN) is widely employed against skeletal disorders, but its low oral bioavailability and prolonged skeletal retention necessitate high systemic doses that carry significant risk. The research team previously developed a novel bioceramic drug-delivery system (DDS) that sequentially releases gentamicin during the first two weeks post-implantation (with reported therapeutic concentrations released daily) and ALN thereafter to be used as a bone substitute. The main objective of this study was to validate the DDS's osteogenic capacity ex vivo, once gentamicin had been depleted and only ALN was released.Before ex vivo testing, there was a need to confirm, via in vitro biological assessment, if the release profile of ALN achieved the therapeutic values needed. For that purpose, human bone-marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) were exposed to ALN concentrations between 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻¹¹ M for 20 days. Concentrations from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹⁰ M enhanced metabolic activity, alkaline-phosphatase activity, matrix mineralisation (Alizarin Red, von Kossa), and early- to mid-stage osteogenic gene expression (RUNX2, SP7, COL1A1, ALP, BMP-2), while late marker BGLAP remained suppressed, indicating ongoing differentiation. Having confirmed that the ALN release profile of the DDS met the therapeutic need, the DDS was then validated, as an osteogenic bone substitute system, in the ex vivo model.For validation of the DDS, embryonic chick femurs were cultured ex vivo for 11 days with DDS preconditioned by release assay at day 17-representing the alendronate release phase, only. Treated femurs exhibited a significant increase in bone volume fraction, accompanied by enhanced deposition of a collagen-rich extracellular matrix and a more highly organized trabecular network, while total femoral volume remained constant. Histological staining and polarized-light microscopy further revealed that the extracellular matrix in the sample group was denser, more mature and organized than in controls.These findings verify that the sequential DDS releases ALN at osteogenically effective concentrations precisely when antibiotic coverage ends, affirming its capacity to couple early infection control with subsequent, localised stimulation of bone formation while avoiding systemic exposure.

This study reports on the preparation and comprehensive characterisation of new brominated hydrogen-bonded liquid crystalline (HBLC) materials. Two distinct series of supramolecular complexes were prepared by hydrogen-bond formation between 3-bromo-4-pentyloxybenzoic acid as the proton donor and non-fluorinated and fluorinated azopyridines with variable terminal chains as proton acceptors. The successful formation of a hydrogen bond was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The impact of alkyl chain length and fluorination on the mesomorphic properties of the HBLCs was systematically investigated. The molecular self-assembly was thoroughly examined using polarised optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealing the presence of smectic C (SmC), smectic A (SmA), and nematic (N) phases, with thermal stability being highly dependent on the molecular architecture. Notably, the introduction of fluorine atoms significantly influenced the phase transition temperatures and the overall mesophase range. Using bromine as a lateral substituent induces the formation of SmC phases in these HBLCs, a feature absent in their non-brominated analogues. Further structural insights were obtained through X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations, confirming the nature of the observed LC phases. Additionally, the photo-responsive characteristics of these HBLCs were explored via UV-Vis spectroscopy, demonstrating their ability to undergo reversible photoisomerisation upon light irradiation. These findings underscore the critical role of precise molecular design in tailoring the properties of HBLCs for potential applications such as optical storage devices.

Abstract Cellulose pulp (CP) is composed mainly of cellulose which is one of the most useful and sustainable natural polymers. Cellulose-based materials, such as completely dispersed nanofibers and water-soluble cellulose, are transparent in water. Additionally, chemical modification of CP has been employed as a pretreatment for the preparation of nanofibers and to impart absorption properties derived from anionic functional groups. However, little is known about chemically modified CPs comprising micron-scale fibers that are transparent in water.In this study, we synthesized transparent sulfated cellulose pulp (TSCP) that exhibits good dispersion stability, high transparency in water, and highly swollen fiber structures. The sulfation method involved heating sulfamic acid and urea supported on CP. TSCP synthesized using a sulfamic acid amount relative to CP (Q) of 18.5, a molar ratio of urea to sulfamic acid (R) of 0.80, and a reaction temperature of 140 °C exhibited the highest total light transmittance (94.7%) in water, a degree of polymerization (535), and amount of sulfate groups (1.73 mmol/g). Polarization microscopy confirmed that most TSCP fibers swelled in water along the fiber width direction. The structure of hydrous-state TSCP was further confirmed using low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. The maximum fiber width of the swollen TSCP reached 122 μm, which was approximately six times than that of CP. The crystallinity was equivalent to that of the original CP with a Cellulose I-type crystalline structure. This transparent, hydrous-state TSCP, comprising predominantly swollen CP fibers, demonstrates potential for applications as a transparent material.

Background: Dental implants are widely used to replace missing teeth, particularly in aesthetically sensitive areas. The implant’s macrogeometry is crucial for ensuring primary stability and successful osseointegration. Internal conical connections and reactive surfaces on implants have shown positive outcomes in tissue and bone stability. In response, a hybrid conical dental implant was designed to address a variety of clinical scenarios. Materials and Methods: This pilot study evaluated the performance of the hybrid conical implant using histological and micro-CT analysis in a preclinical model with immediate loading. Five implants were placed in a mongrel dog, and histomorphometric and micro-CT assessments were performed after 60 days of healing. Results: Analysis showed a high degree of osseointegration, with BIC at 61.56% and BT/TV at 77%. Micro-CT confirmed these findings, with nBIC at 82.20%. Vertical measurements indicated stable crestal bone. Peri-implant tissue displayed organized supracrestal connective tissue, without signs of inflammation or bone saucerization. Polarized light microscopy revealed collagen fibers in perpendicular and oblique orientations around the abutment, suggesting mechanical integration and biological sealing despite the absence of a prosthetic crown. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this exploratory study with one animal study, the hybrid conical implant showed favorable biological and structural responses under immediate loading. These preliminary findings provide useful insights for the refinement of implant design, although further investigations in larger preclinical and clinical studies are required before clinical applicability can be confirmed.

Abstract Madao is a kind of chariot horse crest comprising tassels wound on sticks mounted to oval wooden bases affixed to the foreheads of horses. To reveal complex materials and techniques of Madao artifacts, the study employs a range of approaches including polarized light microscopy, SEM-EDS, XRD, and THM-Py-GC/MS. The results indicated that wooden oval bases were composed of a ground layer and a lacquer layer. Microscopic analysis confirmed that the crushed and size-sorted clay particles were identified as unheated natural clays serving as inorganic fillers in the ground layer. The lacquer coated on the wooden base was urushiol-based lacquer without drying oils modified. Besides, tassels were also characterized by consisting of Hydrophasianus chirurgus feathers secured with bast fibers. These results demonstrate how Chu artisans engineered composite materials to meet the specific performance requirements of horse components.

Routine histopathology cannot distinguish between clinically diverse luminal A and B breast cancer subtypes (LBCS), often requiring ancillary testing. Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP) offers a promising approach by analysing polarised light interactions with complex breast tissues. This study explores the efficacy of using MMP for luminal subtype differentiation. We analysed 30 polarimetric and 7 clinical parameters from 116 unstained breast core biopsies, LBCS classified using the BluePrint® molecular assay. These features were used to train various machine learning models: logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine, random forest, and XGBoost to distinguish luminal subtypes. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to each to assess diagnostic performance using area under the curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Using the top six most prognostic polarimetric (three) and clinical (three) biomarkers ranked by feature importance, the best-performing random forest model achieved an accuracy of 81% (area under ROC = 86%), with both sensitivity and specificity at 75% on an unseen test set, indicating moderately promising, clinically informative performance. MMP, particularly its selected Mueller matrix elements, combined with clinical biomarkers show promise in distinguishing LBCS as validated against BluePrint®. By detecting subtle differences in tissue morphology, this approach may enhance breast cancer prognosis and help guide treatment decisions.

Esa-Oke, situated within the Ilesha Schist Belt of southwestern Nigeria, was the focus of this study aimed at conducting detailed geological mapping to identify geological structures, analyze the petrography of various rock types, determine the metamorphic facies, and evaluate the industrial potential of the rocks in the area. Field mapping facilitated the delineation of lithological units, textures, structural features, mineralogy, and modes of occurrence. Rock samples of granitic gneiss and quartzite were collected and analyzed petrographically through thin section preparation and examination under a petrographic microscope. Modal analysis of the granitic gneiss revealed the following mineral composition: Quartz (22.5%), Plagioclase (25.3%), Biotite (15.9%), Hornblende (8.4%), Microcline (15.2%), Sericite (0.6%), and Epidote (0.2%). The quartzite sample consisted predominantly of Quartz (90%), with Muscovite (6%) and Fibrolite (4%). Structural features such as foliation, joints, and folds were observed in both lithologies. Strike directions ranged from 02° to 71° (average: 32°), with dip trends of 45°E to 62°E (average: 46°E) and 22°W to 62°W (average: 40°W). Joint orientations ranged between 168° and 175°, with an average of 172°. The primary mineral assemblage in the granitic gneiss includes Quartz + Biotite + Microcline + Plagioclase + Hornblende, while secondary minerals include Sericite and Epidote. Quartzite is characterized by a mineral assemblage of Quartz + Muscovite + Fibrolite. These assemblages are indicative of amphibolite facies metamorphism. The petrographic and structural characteristics confirm that the area forms part of the Migmatite-Gneiss-Quartzite Complex of Nigeria. Both granitic gneiss and quartzite in the study area are suitable for use as construction aggregates, particularly in road construction.