In the field of optical mineralogy, a unit cell is defined as the basic atomic structure that is repeated regularly in a crystal. The size of the unit cell is determined through X-ray studies. The dimensions of the unit cell are expressed in terms of lengths along the direction of the three crystal […]

In optical mineralogy, a twinned crystal is formed of two or more individual crystals of the same species and joined together according to a definite law. There are many distinguished twins known in the field of optical mineralogy. If viewed closely with the aid of polarized microscope and crystals are found simply united […]

In the field of optical mineralogy, refraction is defined as a phenomenon wherein a ray of light is bent when it pass from one mineral to another. It has been also known that the refractive index of a certain mineral is given by the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence […]

In the field of optical mineralogy, the optical properties of minerals are known or most clearly explained in reference to the electromagnetic theory of light. The electromagnetic theory of light states that light may be discussed in terms of wavelengths and vibrations perpendicular to the direction of the propagation. It has been known […]

The chemical formula of mineral Mixite is indicated by BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6-3H2O or Hydrated Bismuth Copper Arsenate Hydroxide. Mixite is actually a Phosphate mineral. Mixite is most commonly used as mineral specimen and it is most often found exhibiting interesting images when viewed with the aid of polarizing light microscope used in optical mineralogy. Mixite […]

The angular relationship of a crystal faces to the crystal axes can be expressed in several ways. Miller indices is the most common method. Miller indices denote the reciprocal of the distance by which a crystal face intercepts the crystal axes the distances being measured in units proportional to the axial ratio. Three […]

The chemical formula of mineral Microlite is indicated by (Ca,Na)2Ta2O6(O,OH,F) or Calcium Sodium Tantalum Oxide Hydroxide Fluoride. Microlite belongs to the Oxides and Hydroxides mineral class. It is also a member of the Pyrochlore Group of minerals. Microlite is considered as a very minor ore of tantalum. It is also most commonly used […]

The chemical formula of mineral Microcline is indicated by KAlSi3O8 or Potassium Aluminum Silicate. Microcline is actually a Silicate mineral. It is also a member of the feldspars. Microcline is used as ornamental stone. In industry, it is used in the manufacturing of glass, enamel, and porcelain products. Microcline is also used as […]

Light, as observed in optical mineralogy studies, is not polarized by cubic minerals. It has been observed in the field of optical mineralogy study that when a cubic mineral specimen is placed on a stage of polarizing microscope used, the vibration direction of light produced by the polarizer is not changed even when […]

It has been observed in the field of optical mineralogy that majority of the minerals polarize the light that passes through them. There maybe are two rays of light produced during the process and their vibration directions are both at right angles to each other. Minerals that could affect the movement of light […]