A plurality of micron-size solid particles is described herein that includes at least one polyamide compound, wherein the particles comprise a diameter in the range of about 1 micron to about 1000 microns, and wherein at least some of the plurality of particles are substantially transparent. In addition, a plurality of micron-size solid particles is described herein that includes at least one polyamide compound, wherein the particles comprise a diameter of less than about 4 microns. Methods of forming a plurality of micron-size solid particles are also described that include a) introducing at least one amide-based compound having a melting point, at least one suspending agent and at least one surfactant into a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture; b) applying a thermal energy to the reaction mixture, wherein the thermal energy comprises a temperature that is at or above the melting point of the at least one amide-based compound; c) polymerizing the at least one amide-based compound in the reaction mixture; d) cooling the reaction mixture; and e) rinsing the reaction mixture to retrieve the polymer particles.