For the criminalist, the presence of trace elements is an important and useful factor for several reasons. First, it can provide specific invisible markers that can help to establish the source of the material or help investigators to find additional points for comparison (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). Every structure has its unique trace elements, meaning that by using this information, a criminalist can acquire the complete image of the crime scene (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). Moreover, trace evidence can provide a link between a victim and a suspect if it exists or conclude about the victim or suspect and a scene (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). In such a way, trace elements should be given much attention when collecting physical evidence.
In most cases, a criminalist has to compare two or more paints to determine whether they have a common origin. Paint found on a specific surface usually transforms into a hard substance consisting of various pigments and additives (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). Usually, every paint is a mixture of various compounds that are added to create a particular color (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). Under these conditions, a criminologist might use specific chemical tests and microscopes to compare these pigments and particles and conclude whether they have similar components or additives. It would help to compare paints and make a certain conclusion.
The importance of soil comes from its prevalence at crime scenes, meaning it is possible to make a connection between a crime and a person who visited a specific location. Thus, most soils can be differentiated by their gross appearance and side-by-side comparison of color and textures (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). However, in numerous cases, it might not be enough, meaning additional tools should be used. These include low-power microscopic examination, mineral analysis of major compounds, molecular biology, and chemistry (Saferstein & Roy, 2020). Information acquired due to these tests can help to conclude about the connection between a victim, suspect, and a crime scene.
Reference
Saferstein, R., & Roy, T. (2020). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (13th ed.). Pearson Education