A microtome for specimen-sectioning is a tool used to cut extremely thin slices from bulk material. Specimens in thickness between 50 nm and 100 µm can be prepared for both transmission light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This method use steel, glass, or diamond blades depending on the specimen being sliced and the desired thickness of the sections needed. For instance, glass knives are used to slice sections for both light microscopy and electron microscopy. Note that the materials might damage the knives.

Table 3333 summarizes the some basic differences between crystals, glasses, and liquids.

Table 3333. Some basic differences between crystals, glasses, and liquids.