Course info

The various optical properties of minerals are introduced in this course and a systematic approach is undertaken in identifying and understanding the different rock and ore forming silicates as well as non-silicate minerals. The course intends to develop the essential skills and appreciation on the various techniques in using the microscope and other analytical methods necessary for studying minerals. This would include studies on the properties of light, polarization, interference of light waves, measurement of RI, color, determination of pleochroic scheme, fast and slow ray vibration directions, measurement of birefringence, optic orientation in different crystallographic systems, extinction angles, determination of optic sign of uniaxial and biaxial minerals, determination of optic axial angle, principle of U-stage techniques and stereographic projections. The identification of minerals using X-ray diffraction methods is included.