A visual microphotometer depending on three polarizing screens is used to provide the primary scale for measuring the ratio of intensity between the incident and reflected beams for a prepared standard surface, which is intended for subsequent use in the ordinary procedure with the ore-microscope. A reversing mirror on the microscope stage gives reflection at quasi-normal incidence. Direct measurements on a surface of diamond confirm the validity of the Fresnel formula for a polished surface of this substance, and there is general agreement for a series of transparent bodies ranging up to 17 % reflectance. The standard is a glass-covered metallic surface with a reflectance near 50 %. For pyrite R_D = 54·5 %.