Introduction to Optical Mineralogy

 

  Anisotropism and Interference Colors
  Color
  Inclined Extinction
  Parallel Extinction
  Pleochroism
  Relief
  Symmetric Extinction
  Twinning-Albite
  Twinning -Carlsbad

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Pleochroism

When viewing minerals under plane polarized light, some will change color upon rotation of the stage. This is due to the fact that a non-isometric mineral may preferentially absorb light in different directions. The example below is that of the mineral biotite. Click on the picture and watch the action.


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Page Author:Penelope Morton
Department: Geological Sciences