ANDALUSITE

General Formula: System:

Sampl: BUPM 17
Al2SiO5 Orthorhombic

Andalusite, var. Andalusite, var.

Chiastolite Chiastolite
Andalusite porphyroblast The andalusite is altering Block diagram
showing the development to fine grained muscovite showing the
of the chiastolite cross and chlorite along the relationship between
with arms radiating out edges, and is hosted the crystallographic
from the centre of the within a very fine grained axes and the
grain. pelitic matrix. indicatrix axes.
The andalusite is 6 mm The andalusite is 6 mm
wide, plane light view. wide, crossed polar view.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless, rarely Form usually elongate

Pleochroism pink prisms with nearly
coloured varieties square cross
are weakly sections. var.
pleochroic chiastolite contains
dark inclusions that
form a cross along
the diagonals of the
prism.

Relief moderate high Cleavage two good prismatic

RI positive cleavages {110}
nalpha= 1.629-1.640 nearly at 90
nbeta= 1.633-1.644
ngamma= 1.638-1.650

Birefringence 0.009-0.013 Twinning rare

Interference firsrt order grey to
Colours white

Interference biaxial Optic elongate sections

Figure negative Orientation display parallel
Optic Sign 71-88 extinction, cross
2V sections exhibit
symmetrical
extinction, generally
length fast

Composition relatively pure Alteration to sericite, chlorite

Al2SiO5, but or other
significant amounts phyllosilicates, or as
of Mn3+ and Fe3+ reactant in
may substitute for metamorphic
octohedral reactions
aluminium

Occurrence common in contact Distinguishing moderate high

and regional Features relief, large 2V,
metamorphsim, parallel extinction,
associated with and length fast
cordierite, garnet,
sillimanite, kyanite,
staurolite,
muscovite, biotite,
chlorite and
plagioclase

APATITE
 General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-10C
Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl) Hexagonal

Hexagonal and elongated

Hexagonal and
Apatite needles
elongated Apatite
The hexagonal grains are
needles
cross sections of apatite
Fine grained hexagonal Block diagram
needles, cut perpendicular
and elongated needles of showing the
to the long axis which
apatite included in relationship between
also corresponds to the c
plagioclase and the crystallographic
crystallographic axis and
clinopyroxene within an axes and the indicatrix
the optic axis, thus the
olivine diabase. axes.
needles appear black.
The long axis of the
The long axis of the
image is 0.9 mm, plane
image is 0.9 mm,crossed
light view
polar view

Optical Properties

Colour usually colourless Form small euhedral to

Pleochroism non pleochroic in subhedral elongate
thin section prismatic crystals
with hexagonal cross
sections are most
common, also found
as anhedral grains and
granular or columnar
aggregates
Relief/ moderate high Cleavage poor basal and
RI positive prismatic, not readily
nw = 1.633-1.667 visible in thin section
ne = 1.629-1.665

Birefringence 0.001 - 0.007 Twinning rare

Interference first order grey
Colours

Interference uniaxial Optic elongate sections

Figure negative Orientation show parallel
Optic Sign extinction and are
2V length fast

Composition widest variation in Alteration stable in most

composition is geologic
associated with the environments
hydroxyl site, e.g.
F for OH for Cl

Occurrence present as an Distinguishing moderate to high

accessory in a Features relief, low
wide variety of birefringence and
igneous and uniaxial character
metamorphic
rocks and as
detrital grains in
sedimentary rocks

BIOTITE
 General Formula:
System:
K2(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10 Sample: PT-104
Monoclinc
(OH,O,F2)2

Biotite Porphyroblasts
Biotite Porphyrobalsts
The biotite
Randomly oriented biotite
porphyroblasts display a
porphyroblasts, exhibiting a
range of interference Block diagram
range of pleochroic colours,
colours, and "bird's eye" showing the
in a pelite collected from
extinction where the relationship between
the Meguma Group, Nova
cleavge traces are the crystallographic
Scotia. Note the higher
parallel or nearly parallel axes and the
relief garnet grain in the
to the polars (NS and indicatrix axes.
lower left corner
EW).
Field of view = 4 mm,
Field of view = 4 mm,
plane light
crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour typically brown, Form tabular crystals

Pleochroism browhish green or parallel to {001}
reddish brown with a rough
distinctly hexagonal shape,
pleochroic also as micaceous or
tabular grains or
grains with irregular
outlines

Relief moderate to Cleavage perfect cleavage on

RI moderately high {001}
 positive
nalpha = 1.522-1.625
nbeta = 1.548-1.672
ngamma = 1.549-1.696

Birefringence 0.03-0.07 Twinning rarely visible

Interference up to third or fourth
Colours order, a strong
mineral colour may
mask the
interference colour

Interference biaxial Optic extinction is parallel

Figure negative Orientation or nearly parallel,
Optic Sign 0-25 with a maximum
2V extinction angle of a
few degrees.
Cleavage traces are
length slow.

Composition variable Alteration alters to chlorite,

composition clay minerals, and/or
sericite, iron-
titanium oxides,
epidote, calcite, and
sulphides

Occurrence common in a wide Distinguishing colour, pleochroism,

range of igneous Features "birds-eye"
and metamorphic extinction, nearly
rocks and may be parallel extinction
an important
detrital mineral in
sediments

CALCITE
 System:
General Formula:
Sample: M-24 Hexagonal
CaCO3
(trigonal)

Calcite
Calcite Block diagram
Irregular calcite crystals
Extreme inteference colours showing the
within a marble. Note the
of calcite and the presence relationship
rhombohedral cleavage
of twinning in the top right between the
displayed by the grain just
grain. crystallographic
left of center.
Field of View = 2.7 mm, axes and the
Field of View = 2.7 mm,
crossed polars indicatrix axes.
plane light

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form variety of habits, but

Pleochroism non pelochroic usually coinsist of
scalenohedron and
rhombohedron
combinations. In most
rocks calcite forms
anhedral grains or
grain aggregates

Relief moderate negative Cleavage perfect rhombohedral

RI to high positive, cleavage, angle
marked change between cleavages
with stage rotation 7457'
 nw = 1.658
ne = 1.486

Birefringence 0.172 Twinning lamellar twins

Interference extreme, creamy parallel to one edge
Colours high order colours of the cleavage rhomb
or along the long
diagonal of the rhomb

Interference uniaxial Optic extinction is inclined

Figure negative Orientation or symmetrical to
Optic Sign cleavage traces, the
2V fast ray is parallel to
the short diagonal of
the rhombohedral
faces

Composition dominantly Alteration altered to dolomite

CaCO3, but during diagenesis,
substitution of Mg, calcite is soluble in
Fe, Mn, or Zn and natural waters and
minor Sr and Ba may be removed by
solution

Occurrence common and Distinguishing cleavage, variable

widespread as a Features relief, extreme
major mineral in interference colours
limestones, and an
accessory in
igneous,
metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks

CHLORITE
 General Formula: System:
(Mg,Fe,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 Sample: PT-115D Monoclinic and
*(Mg,Fe,Al)3(OH)6 Triclinic

Chlorite Porphyroblast Chlorite Porphyroblast

Block diagram
A relict chlorite porphyroblast The interference colour
showing the
within a Meguma Group pelite, displayed by the chlorite is
relationship between
from Nova Scotia. Note the very masked to some degree by
the crystallographic
weak colour visible in plane light. the colour of teh grain.
axes and the
Field of view = 2.7 mm, plane Field of view = 2.7 mm,
indicatrix axes.
light crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour light to medium Form commonly found as

Pleochroism green plates similar to
pleochroic, micas
expressed in shades
of green, darker
varieties are Fe-rich

Relief moderate to Cleavage perfect on {001}

RI moderately high
positive
nalpha = 1.55-1.67
nbeta = 1.55-1.67
ngamma = 1.55-1.69

Birefringence 0.0-0.015 Twinning none

Interference first order white to
Colours yellow, may exhibit
anomalous blue or
purplish
interference colours

Interference biaxial Optic extinction angle up

Figure positive or negative Orientation to 9, cleavage trace
Optic Sign 0-60 (positive) in optically positive
2V 0-40 (negative) varieties is length
fast and in optically
negative varieties is
length slow

Composition highly variable Alteration oxidation may

produce iron stains,
but chlorite is
relatively stable.

Occurrence widespread mineral Distinguishing colour, weak

in contact and Features pleochroism, and
regional weak birefringence
metamorphic rocks
of low grade, as an
alteration product of
mafic minerals in
igneous rocks

CLINOPYROXENE

General Formula: Sample: AUPI 33 System:

 (Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)2
Monoclinic
(Si,Al)206

Clinopyroxene Phenocrysts Clinopyroxene

Euhedral, 8 sided, Phenocrysts Block diagram
clinopyroxene phenocryst, Note the black areas in showing the
exhibiting two cleavages, in the right grain due to relationship
a fine grained matrix of plucking of the sample between the
plagioclase microlites, during preparation of the crystallographic
clinopyroxene and olivine. thin section. axes and the
Field of view 2.7 mm, plane Field of view 2.7 mm, indicatrix axes.
light crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour usually colourless, Form crystals form

Pleochroism gray, pale green or stubby prisms
pale brown, darker elongate along the
colours associated c-axis, basal
with Fe-rich varieties sections are 4 or 8
Titanaugite is more sided and show
distinctly coloured two cleavages at
from brown/pink to ~90
violet.

Relief high positive Cleavage typical pyroxene

RI nalpha = 1.664-1.745 cleavages parallel
 nbeta = 1.672-1.753 to {110}, which
ngamma = 1.694-1.771 intersect at ~90

Birefringence 0.018-0.034 Twinning simple and

Interference lower to middle lamellar twins and
Colours second order composition
planes, which in
combination may
form a herringbone
pattern

Interference Biaxial Optic sections parallel to

Figure positive Orientation (100) show
Optic Sign 25-70 parallel extinction
2V sections parallel to
(010) show
maximum
birefringence, a
single cleavage
and Z^c of 35 to
48

Composition All clinopyroxenes Alteration commonly alter to

crystallize with the uralite (a fg, light
same structure and coloured
there is complete amphibole), or
solid solution among may alter to
all species and they serpentine,
cannot be chlorite, biotite,
distinguished reliably carbonates and /or
based on their optical other silicates
properties

Occurrence common in mafic Distinguishing inclined extinction,

igneous rocks, alkali- Features higher
rich varieties may be birefringence, 2nd
found in more silicic order interference
rocks, often colours, low 2V,
associated with optically positive
olivine, in comparison with
orthopyroxene, and opx
plagioclase
 EPIDOTE

This description is for epidote, however note that there exist several varieties of
epidote, e.g., zoisite, clionzoisite, each of which have different optical properties and
may all be present in the same thin section. Var. epidote represent the more Fe-rich
compositions of the clinozoisite (Al-rich) -epidote series.
General Formula:
System:
Ca2Fe3+Al2O(Si2O7) Sample: GF-83-21A
Monoclinic
(SiO4)(OH)

Epidote
Epidote
Equigranular epidote,
Note the range of
with actinolite and Block diagram showing
interference colours
hornblende within a the relationship between
exhibited by the
metamorphosed mafic the crystallographic axes
epidote.
lithology. and the indicatrix axes.
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
crossed polars
plane light

Optical Properties

Colour higher Fe epidote Form found as anhedral

Pleochroism produces a light grains or granular
yellow-green colour aggregates
X = colourless to pale
yellow or pale green
Y = yellow-green
Z = colourless to pale
yellow-green

Relief high positive Cleavage a poor cleavge on

RI nalpha = 1.715-1.751 {100} is not
nbeta = 1.725-1.784 usually seen
ngamma = 1.734-1.797
Birefringence 0.012-0.049 Twinning rare
Interference Maximum
Colours interference colours
up to 3rd order,
depending on
composition

Interference biaxial Optic optic orientation

Figure negative Orientation varies strongly
Optic Sign 2VX = 90-64 with composition.
2V in all cases Y = b
and the optic plane
is (010)

Composition epidote is the Fe-rich Alteration no consistent

end member of a alteration
continuous solid
solution series with
clinozoisite (Al-rich)

Occurrence common accessory Distinguishing epidote is

mineral in a wide Features distinguished from
variety of regional clinozoisite by
and contact optic sign,
metamorphic rocks. A birefringence, and
wide variety of colour.
igneous rocks contain
epidote as a primary
accessory mineral.

FLUORITE

General
System:
Formula:
Isometric
CaF2
 Block diagram showing the
TITLE TITLE
relationship between the
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
crystallographic axes and the
SCALE SCALE
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour usually colourless Form cubes or cubes

Pleochroism non pleochroic modified by
octahedral or
dodecahedral faces,
anhedral grains or
granular masses

Relief moderate high Cleavage perfect octahedral

RI negative celavage (4
n = 1.433-1.435 directions)

Birefringence NA Twinning not usually visible

Interference NA
Colours

Interference isotropic - no Optic NA

Figure interference figure Orientation
Optic Sign
2V

Composition Sr, Y, or Ce for Ca Alteration none

Occurrence common in Distinguishing high relief,

hydrothermal Features octohedral cleavage,
deposits and as an isotropic
accessory in felsic
igneous rocks

GARNET
 General Formula:
X3Y2(SiO4)3 where
X = Ca, Mg, Fe2+, System:
Sample: PT-104
Mn Isometric

Y = Al, Fe3+, Cr

Garnet Porphyroblasts
Garnet Porphyroblasts
The isotropic nature of the Block diagram
Three anhedral garnet
garnet is obvious as are the showing the
porphyroblasts associated
inclusions of quartz, the trails relationship
with biotite, staurolite, and
of which are approximately between the
muscovite from a Meguma
parallel to the fabric (running crystallographic
Group pelite.
from top right to lower left). axes and the
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
Field of view = 2.7 mm, indicatrix axes.
plane light
crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour commonly Form euhedral to

Pleochroism colourless or a subhedral
pale version of dodecahedral or
the hand sample trapezohedral
non pleochroic grains which
display 6 to 8
sides and as
anhedral
granular masses

Relief high positive Cleavage none, show

RI n = 1.675-1.890, irregular
highly variable, fractures
 depending on
composition

Birefringence NA Twinning not shown

Interference NA
Colours

Interference isotropic - no Optic NA

Figure interference Orientation
Optic Sign figure
2V

Composition highly variable Alteration alters to chlorite,

commonly
involved in a
variety of
mineral reactions
in a variety of
metamorphic
rocks

Occurrence found in Distinguishing isotropic

metamorphic Features character, high
rocks of a wide relief, and grain
range of shape
compositions, in
some Al-rich
granitic rocks
and as a detritial
mineral in
sediments

HORNBLENDE

General Formula:
(Na,K)0- System:
2+ 3+ Sample: AUPI-37
1Ca2(Mg,Fe ,Fe ,Al)5 Monoclinic
(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2
 Euhedral Hornblende
Euhedral Hornblende
Phenocrysts
Phenocrysts
Note that the
Numerous hornblende
interference colour Block diagram showing
phenocrysts, exhibiting a
exhibited by the the relationship between
range of pleochroic
individual hornblende the crystallographic
colours, euhedral shapes
grains is masked to axes and the indicatrix
and two cleavages which
some degree by the dark axes.
intersect at 56-124:.
colour of the grain.
Field of View = 2.7 mm,
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
plane light
crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour distinctly coloured, Form found as slender

Pleochroism shades of green, prismatic to bladed
yellow-green, blue- crystals, with a 4 or
green and brown 6 sided cross section
X = light yellow, which exhibit
light yellow green, amphibole cleavage
light blue green at 56 and 124, also
Y = green, yellow as anhedral irregular
green, gray-green, grains
brown
Z = dark green,
dark blue-green,
dark gray-green,
 dark brown

Relief moderate to high Cleavage amphibole cleavages

RI nalpha = 1.60-1.70 on {110} intersect at
nbeta = 1.61-1.71 56-124 fragment
ngamma = 1.62-1.73 shape is controlled
by cleavage

Birefringence 0.014-0.034 Twinning simple and lamellar

Interference usually upper first twins on {100} are
Colours or lower second not uncommon
order, but may be
masked by mineral
colour

Interference biaxial Optic X^a = +3 to -19, Y

Figure positive or negative Orientation = b, Z^c = +12 to
Optic Sign 35 - 130 +34, optic plane =
2VX (010)
basal sections
exhibit symmetrical
extinction with the
slow ray parallel to
the long diagonal
between the
cleavages,
longitudinal sections
are length slow

Composition exhibits a wide Alteration may be altered to

range of biotite, chlorite or
compositions other Fe-Mg
silicates

Occurrence common mineral Distinguishing cleavage and grain

found in a variety Features shape, inclined
of geological extinction,
environments, i.e. pleochroism
in igneous,
metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks
 KYANITE

General Formula: System:

Sample: PT-51
Al2SiO5 Triclinic
 TITLE TITLE
Two kyanite The kyanite
Block diagram
porphyroblasts, within a porphyroblasts have
showing the
pelite from the Grenville inclusions of quartz and
relationship
Province, showing the muscovite fabric is
between the
euhedral shapes and the evident between the lower
crystallographic
presence of cleavage, grain and the bottom of
axes and the
evident in the lower grain. the image.
indicatrix axes.
Field of View 2.7 mm, Field of View 2.7 mm,
plane light crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour colourless, Form elongated bladed or

Pleochroism possibly pale columnar crystals
blue
non pleochroic

Relief high positive Cleavage one perfect cleavage on

RI nalpha= 1.710- {100} and one good
1.718 cleavage on {010}, a
nbeta= 1.719- basal parting on {001}
1.725 may be conspicuous
ngamma= 1.724- cutting at ~85
1.734
Birefringence 0.012-0.016 Twinning rare
Interference first order
Colours colours

Interference biaxial Optic inclined extinction with

Figure negative Orientation a maximum angle of
Optic Sign 78-84 30, length slow
2V

Composition relatively pure Alteration may alter to sericite and

Al2SiO5 with or chlorite. May be
minor Fe3+, Ti4+ involved in a variety of
or Cr3+ metamorphic reactions
and display reaction
textures with andalusite,
sillimanite, staurolite,
cordierite and garnet.

Occurrence commonn in Distinguishing higher relief, inclined

pelitic schist, Features extinction, optical
gneiss and character and
related elongation
metamoprhic
rocks.

MICROCLINE

General Formula: KAlSi3O8 System: Triclinic

 Block diagram showing the
TITLE TITLE
relationship between the
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
crystallographic axes and the
SCALE SCALE
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form Anhedral to euhedral

Pleochroism non pleochroic in many igneous and
metamorphic rocks
Relief Low negative Cleavage Perfect parallel to
RI nalpha = 1.514 - 1.526 {001}
nbeta= 1.518 - 1.530 Good parallel to
ngamma = 1.521 - 1.533 {010}
Cleavages intersect
at 9041
Birefringence 0.005 0.008 Twinning Distinctive cross
Interference No higher than first hatched or tartan
Colours order yellow plaid twinning
Interference Biaxial Optic Optic plane parallel
Figure Negative Orientation to (001)
Optic Sign 65 88 X^a ~18, Y^c ~ 18,
2V Z^b ~18
Extinction is inclined
 to cleavage
Composition Data Alteration Alters to sericite and
clay minerals
Occurrence Found in granite, Distinguishing Tartan plaid twinning
granodiorite, Features
pegmatite, syenite
and related plutonic
rocks. Not normally
found in volcanic
rocks.
Common in regional
metamorphic rocks
of fairly high grade.
Common in
immature clastic
rocks.

ACTINOLITE-TREMOLITE

General Formula: Sample: M-14 System:

 Ca2(Mg,Fe2+)5Si8O22(OH)2 Monoclinic

Actinolite
Actinolite
Low to medium grade amphibolite Block diagram
Low to medium grade
consisting essentailly of actinolite- showing the
amphibolite, notet the range of
tremolite. The large grain in the relationship between
interference colurs displayed
centre of the image displays two the crystallographic
by the actinolite in the image.
cleavages which intersect at 56 - axes and the indicatrix
Field of view 2.7 mm, crossed
124. axes.
polars
Field of view 2.7 mm, plane light

Optical Properties

Colour colourless to pale Form occurs as

Pleochroism green to dark green, columnar, bladed
darker colours and or acicular grains,
stronger pleochroism elongated parallel
associated with high Fe to c axis, may be
contents fibrous, basal
X = colourless, pale sections are
yellow green diamond shaped,
Y = pale yellow-green, with typical
 pale blue-green amphibole
Z = pale green, green, cleavage
blue-green

Relief moderate to high Cleavage two amphibole

RI positive cleavages on
nalpha = 1.599-1.688 {110}, intersect
nbeta = 1.612-1.697 at 56 and 124
ngamma = 1.622-1.705

Birefringence 0.017-0.027 Twinning simple and

Interference maximum interference lamellar twins
Colours colours are upper 1st to
mid 2nd order

Interference biaxial Optic X ^ a = +5 to -6

Figure negative Orientation Y = b,
Optic Sign 2VX = 75-88 Z ^ c = +10 to
2V +21
optic plane =
(010)
elongate sections
are length slow

Composition the primary Alteration alters to talc,

compositional chlorite and
variation is the relative carbonates
proportion of Fe2+ and
Mg

Occurrence common occurrence is Distinguishing actinolite closely

in contact and regional Features resembles
metamorphosed hornblende,
limestone and however the latter
dolomite. Also found usually has a
in metamoprhosed smaller 2V angle
mafic and ultramafic and may have a
rocks. It is the common higher extinction
fine-grained alteration angle.
product of pyroxenes.
 MUSCOVITE

General Formula: System:

Sample: PT-51
KAl2(Al,Si3O10)(OH)2 Monoclinic

Muscovite Flakes
The flakes of muscovite
Muscovite Flakes
display the characteristic
Elongated, colourless
second order blue
flakes of muscovite, in a
interference colour. Note Block diagram showing the
pelite from the Grenville
that the muscovite flakes relationship between the
Supergroup, Central
define the fabric in the crystallographic axes and the
Metasedimentary Belt of
sample, with all indicatrix axes.
the Grenville Province.
exhibiting an EW
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
orientation.
plane light
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form found as

Pleochroism non pleochroic micaceous
flakes or tablets
with irregular
 outlines

Relief moderate positive Cleavage perfect on

RI nalpha = 1.552-1.580 {001}
nbeta = 1.582-1.620
ngamma = 1.587-1.623

Birefringence 0.036-0.049 Twinning rare

Interference vivid second order
Colours blues and greens

Interference biaxial Optic parallel

Figure negative Orientation extinction,
Optic Sign 30-47 cleavage traces
2V are length slow

Composition highly variable Alteration not generally

altered

Occurrence common in a wide Distinguishing colourless,

variety of metamorphic Features parallel
rocks, felsic igneous extinction,
rocks and as detrital "birds-eye"
grains in sedimentary extinction
rocks

NEPHELINE

General Formula: System:

Sample: Nepheline Syenite
Na3K(Al4Si4O16) Hexagonal
 Block diagram
showing the
TITLE relationship
TITLE
DESCRIPTION between the
DESCRIPTION SCALE
SCALE crystallographic
axes and the
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form anhedral to

Pleochroism non pleochroic sudhedral in
intrusive rocks,
subhedral to
euhedral in
extrusive rocks

Relief low negative to low Cleavage rarely seen in

RI positive thin section,
nw = 1.529-1.546 irregular
ne = 1.526-1.544 fractures

Birefringence 0.003 - 0.005 Twinning not observed

Interference first order grey
Colours

Interference uniaxial Optic longitudinal

Figure negative Orientation sections through
Optic Sign euhedral crystals
2V as length fast,
with parallel
 extinction

Composition most nepheline has a Alteration alters to clay

3:1 ratio of Na:K. At minerals,
high temperatures analcime,
complete solid sodalite, calcite,
solution exists and cancrinite
between pure
nepheline (100% Na)
and kalsilite (100% K)

Occurrence common in syenite, Distinguishing low relief, looks

nepheline syenite and Features like quartz but
related alkalic rocks. may be altered
Nepehiline is never and is uniaxial
associated with negative.
primary quartz.

OLIVINE

General Formula: Sample: PT-96 System:

 (Fe,Mg)2SiO4 Orthorhombic

Block diagram
showing the
TITLE TITLE relationship
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION between the
SCALE SCALE crystallographic
axes and the
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour usually colourless, Form generally subequant

Pleochroism darker colours anhedral grains or
correspond to aggregates in
higher iron content intrusive and
non pleochroic metamorphic rocks.
Equidimensional or
elongated euhedral
grains in volcanics

Relief high positive Cleavage not observed

RI nalpha = 1.636-1.827
nbeta = 1.651-1.869
ngamma = 1.669-
1.879

Birefringence 0.033-0.052 Twinning not common

Interference up to third order
Colours

Interference biaxial Optic elongate grains have

Figure positive or negative Orientation parallel extinction
Optic Sign 46-98 and may be either
2V length fast or slow

Composition minor substitution Alteration commonly alters to

of Mn, Zn, Ca, Ni, iddingsite and
Cr or Al for Fe and chlorophaeite, which
Mg are really mixtures of
various minerals
which cannot be
identified, and
serpentine. Alteration
progresses from the
edge and along
cracks

Occurrence pure Fo (Mg-rich) Distinguishing high birefringence,

is restricted to Features distinctive fracturing,
metamorphosed lack of cleavage, and
carbonates, alteration products.
intermediate Fe-Mg
olivine is common
in mafic and
ultramafic igneous
rocks, Fe-rich
olivine occurs in
felsic rocks.

ORTHOCLASE

General KAlSi3O8 System: Monoclinic

 Formula:
none
Block diagram showing the relationship between
the crystallographic axes and the indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form Common as anhedral

Pleochroism non pleochroic to euhedral grains in
igneous rocks.
Relief Low negative Cleavage Perfect parallel to
RI nalpha = 1.514 - 1.526 {001}
nbeta= 1.518 - 1.530 Good parallel to
ngamma = 1.521 - 1.533 {010}
Cleavages intersect
at 90
Birefringence 0.005 0.008 Twinning Range of twins may
Interference No higher than first be present, eg.
Colours order white Carlsbad, Baveno,
Mandebach.
Polysynthetic twins,
as in plagioclase and
microcline are not
found.
Interference Biaxial Optic Optic plane is
Figure Negative Orientation perpendicular to
Optic Sign 40 ~70 (010) and inclined
2V between 5 and 13
to (001).
X^a = +5 to +13,
Y^c = + 21 to 13,
Z=b
Extinction is inclined
to cleavage
Composition Data Alteration Alters to clay
minerals and sericite
Occurrence Widespread in Distinguishing Distinguished from
granite, granodiorite, Features sanidine based on 2V
pegmatite, syenite and from microcline
and related felsic by the lack of tartan
rocks, emplaced at twinning.
shallow depths.
Sanidine is more
common in volcanic
rocks and microcline
more common in
deep seated
intrusives.
Common in contact
and regional
metamorphic rocks.
As a detrital grain in
clastic sediments.

ORTHOPYROXENE
 General Formula: System:
Sample: W-3
(Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 Orthorhombic

Orthopyroxene
The similar appearence in
plane light of Orthopyroxene
Block diagram
orthopyroxene and The low interference
showing the
clinopyroxene are colours characteristic of
relationship
highlighted in this image. orthopyroxene compared
between the
Note that both grains lack to clinopyroxene are
crystallographic
any clear colour, although evident in this image.
axes and the
coloured and pleochroic Field of view = 4 mm,
indicatrix axes.
varieties are common. crossed polars
Field of view = 4 mm, plane
light

Optical Properties

Colour pale coloured in Form euhedral crystals are

Pleochroism thin section usually stubby
with subtle pinkish prisms, basal
to greenish sections are 4 or 8
pleochroism sided, with two
primatic cleavages at
90 longitudinal
sections are
rectangular, exhibit
one cleavage and
parallel extinction
Relief moderate to high Cleavage two good cleavages
RI nalpha = 1.649-1.768 parallel to the {210}
nbeta = 1.653-1.770 prism faces that
ngamma = 1.657- intersect at 88
1.788
Generally
increasing with
increasing Fe
content

Birefringence 0.007-0.020 Twinning rare

Interference usually first order
Colours yellow or lower

Interference Biaxial Optic X=b, Y=a, Z=c

Figure positive or negative Orientation optic plane parallel
Optic Sign 2VZ = 50-132 to (100)
2V elongate fragments
exhibit parallel
extinction and are
length slow

Composition the effects of the Alteration alters to serpentine,

substituion of Fe talc or fine grained
for Mg in amphibole
orthopyroxene on
the optical
properties is
evident in
examining Figure
13.4 in Nesse.

Occurrence Mg-rich opx is Distinguishing distinguished from

common in mafic Features cpx by: 1) lower
intrusive rocks birefringence, 2)
(gabbro, norite, parallel extinction, 3)
etc.). Fe-rich opx is pale colour, weak
found in more pleochroism, 4) most
siliceous igneous common opx is
rocks (diorite, optically negative,
syenite etc.). and 5) high 2V
opx is common in angle.
high grade regional
metamorphic rocks

PLAGIOCLASE
 General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-10C
NaAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8 Monoclinic

Click here

The above
image presents a
series of block
Ophitic Texture
Ophitic Texture diagrams
Albite, pericline and Carlsbad
Colourless plagioclase grains, note showing the
twinned plagioclase grains
cleavage to right of label, variation in
enclosed within a second order
surrounded by a large oikocryst of indicatrix axes
green clinopyroxene.
clinopyroxene and
Field of View = 4 cm, crossed
Field of View = 4 cm, plane light crystallographic
polars
axes position
with
composition.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form occurs as both euhedral

Pleochroism non-pleochroic and anhedral grains;
crystals are tabular
parallel to (010), i.e.
lath shaped, and
elongated parallel to the
c or a axis. Chemical
zoning is common and
is expressed as a
variation in the
extinction angle from
one zone to another.
Relief low positive or Cleavage {001} perfect cleavage,
RI negative, {010} good cleavage.
dependant on The cleavages intersect
composition nalpha at 93 to 94.
= 1.527 - 1.577
nbeta = 1.531 -
1.585
ngamma = 1.534 -
1.590

Birefringence 0.007-0.013 Twinning polysynthetic twinning

Interference first order grey is characteristic.
Colours or white Common twin laws are:
1. albite (010)
composition
plane,
polysynthetic,
found in all
compositions
2. pericline: (h01)
composition
plane,
polysynthetic,
found in
intermediate to
calcic
compositions

3. Carlsbad: (010)
composition
plane,
penetration,
found in
intermediate to
calcic
compositions

Interference biaxial Optic Optic orientation varies

Figure Orientation in a regular manner with
Optic Sign positive or composition. Except by
2V negative chance none of the
varies indicatrix axes
 systematically coincides with any of
with composition the crystallographic
axes.

Composition plagioclase Alteration commonly partially

shows altered to sericite, clay
continuous solid or zeolites. Plagioclase
solution from also may alter to
albite to saussurite, a fine
anorthite with grained aggregrate of
NaSi replacing epidote group minerals,
CaAl. albite, sericite and other
minerals.

Occurrence widespread Distinguishing low relief, colourless,

mineral found in Features biaxial figure,
nearly all polysynthetic twinning.
igneous rocks, in
many
metamorphic
rocks and some
sediments. The
composition of
igneous
plagioclase will
reflect the
composition of
the melt from
which the
mineral formed.

QUARTZ

System:
General Formula:
Sample: M-20 Hexagonal
SiO2
(trigonal)
 Orthoquartzite
Orthoquartzite
Subrounded quartz grains Block diagram
Note the variety of
cemented in a matrix of showing the
orientations present in
silica. The grain boundaries relationship between
the randomly oriented
are clearly marked by the the crystallographic
quartz grains.
fine grained inclusions. axes and the
Field of View 2.7 mm,
Field of View 2.7 mm, indicatrix axes.
crossed polars
plane light

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form typically anhedral

Pleochroism non-pleochroic to highly irregular
in igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
Detritial grains are
are more or less
equant.

Relief/ low positive relief Cleavage not observed

RI nw = 1.544
ne = 1.553

Birefringence 0.009 Twinning non observed

Interference Maximum
Colours interference colour
range up to first
order white, with a
 tinge of yellow

Interference unixial positive, but Optic optic axis is the c

Figure/ strained displaying Orientation axis. Elongate
Optic Sign undulatory crystals cut from
2V extinction may show end to end are
a biaxial interference length slow.
figure with a small
separation of the
isogyres.

Composition essentially pure Alteration not readily altered

SiO2, although trace and is very stable in
amounts of Ti, Fe, weathering
Mn, Al may be environments.
present.

Occurrence one of the most Distinguishing low relief, low

widely abundant Features birefringence, lack
minerals, present in of cleavage,
a wide variety of uniaxial positive.
environments.

SANIDINE

General
(K,Na)AlSi3O8 System: Monoclinic
Formula:
none
 Block diagram showing the relationship
between the crystallographic axes and the
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties

Colour colourless Form Common as

Pleochroism non pleochroic phenocrysts or
tabular crystals
Relief Low negative Cleavage Perfect parallel to
RI nalpha = 1.514 - 1.526 {001}
nbeta= 1.518 - 1.530 Good parallel to
ngamma = 1.521 - 1.533 {010}
Cleavages intersect
at 90
Birefringence 0.005 0.008 Twinning Carlsbad twins with a
Interference No higher than first composition plane
Colours order white parallel to (010),
dividing the crystal
into two segments.
Interference Biaxial Optic Two Orientations
Figure Negative Orientation possible:
Optic Sign 2VX = 040 (Low High Sanidine:
2V Sanidine) Optic plane is
2VX = 047 (High parallel to (010)
Sanidine) X^a = ~+5, Y=b,
Z^c = + 21
Low Sanidine:
Optic plane is
perpendicular to
(010)
X^a = +5 to 9, Y^c
= + 21 to +17, Z=b

Extinction is inclined
to cleavage
Composition Data Alteration Alters to clay
minerals and sericite
Occurrence Common K-feldspar Distinguishing Low Sanidine is
in silicic volcanic Features
rocks, eg. rhyolite,
rhyodacite, phonolite
and trachyte and in
dykes of shallow
intrusives. May
occur in high
temperature contact
metamorphic rocks.
distinguished from
morthoclase by a
smaller 2VX angle.
High Sanidine is
distinguished from
low Sanidine and
orthoclase by the
orientation of the
optic plane.

SILLIMANITE

General Formula: System:

Smaple: PT-78(2)
Al2SiO5 Orthorhombic
 Acute Bisectrix
Note the low, first order
grey, interference colours.
Sillimanite var. prismatic
The grains are oriented
Euhedral prismatic Block diagram
such that the view is
sillimanite, displaying a showing the
looking down the c
single cleavage. This is relationship
crystallographic axis and
one of two common forms between the
the Z indicatrix axis - the
of sillimanite, the other is crystallographic
acute bisectrix. The rock
fibrolite. axes and the
type is a high grade pelite
Field of View 2.7 mm, indicatrix axes.
from the Grenville
plane light
Province.
Field of View 2.7 mm,
crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour colourless, mats of Form commonly occurs as

Pleochroism fibrolite may be pale slender prismatic
brown crystals or as fine
non pleochroic fibrous cyrstals
called fibrolite

Relief high positive Cleavage one single good

RI nalpha= 1653-1.661 cleavage {010}
nbeta= 1.657-1.662 parallel to the
ngamma= 1.672-1.683 length of crystals
Birefringence 0.018-0.022 Twinning none reported
Interference lower second order
Colours

Interference biaxial Optic elongate sections

Figure positive Orientation show parallel
Optic Sign 20-30 extinction and are
2V length slow

Composition relatively pure Alteration may alter to sericite.

Al2SiO5 with minor May be involved in
Fe3+, Ti4+ or Cr3+ a variety of
metamorphic
reactions and
display reaction
textures with
andalusite,
sillimanite,
staurolite, cordierite
and garnet.

Occurrence common mineral in Distinguishing higher relief,

medium to high Features moderate
grade pelitic schist, birefringence,
gneiss and related parallel extinction,
metamoprhic rocks. and habit
Associated with
kyanite, andalusite,
staurolite,
muscovite, biotite,
K-feldpsar,
cordierite,
corundum, and
garnet.

SPHENE/TITANITE

General Formula: System:

Sample: 88-18
CaTiOSiO4 Monoclinic
 Sphene
Sphene Block diagram
Note the high relief of
Note the high interference showing the
the sphene grain
colour, of the sphene, which relationship
compared to the other
may be masked by the colour between the
minerals in the field of
of the grain. crystallographic
view.
Field of view 2.7 mm, axes and the
Field of view = 2.7 mm,
crossed polars indicatrix axes.
plane light

Optical Properties

Colour shades of brown, less Form euhedral to

Pleochroism commonly colourless subhedral grains
or yellow with a wedge or
non to weakly diamond shaped
pleochroic cross section

Relief very high positive Cleavage good prismatic

RI nalpha = 1.843-1.950 cleavage {110},
nbeta = 1.870-2.034 but not usually
ngamma = 1.943-2.110 obvious in thin
section

Birefringence 0.100-0.192 Twinning simple twins on

Interference extreme birefringince {100} and
Colours produces upper order lamellar twins on
white/cream {221}
interference colours

Interference biaxial Optic X ^ a =-6 to -21

Figure positive Orientation Y=b
Optic Sign 2VZ = 17-40 Z ^ c = +35 to 51
2V optic plane = (010)

Composition Al3+ and Fe3+ may Alteration alters to leucoxene

4+
substitute for Ti , a
wide variety of other
cations, e.g. REE, U
and Th, may
substitute for Ti.

Occurrence a common accessory Distinguishing very high relief

in a wide variety of Features and extreme
igneous and birefringence
metamorphic rocks.

STAUROLITE

General Formula: System:

Sample: PT-104c
Fe2Al9O6(SiO4)4(OH)2 Monoclinic
 Staurolite Poikiloblast
Staurolite Porphyroblast
Euhedral staurolite
Staurolite grain at Block diagram
poikiloblast, with
extinction, where the showing the
inclusions of biotite and
diamond shape is clearly relationship between
quartz, from a Meguma
visible. the crystallographic
Group pelite.
The long axis of the axes and the
The long diagonal of the
staurolite grain measures indicatrix axes.
staurolite grain measures
7.5 mm, crossed polars
7.5 mm, plane light

Optical Properties

Colour pale honey yellow Form crystals are usually

Pleochroism or brown prismatic and
distinct pelochroism elongated parallel to
X = colourless or the c axis, basal
pale yellow sections are 6 sided,
Y = pale yellow to with {110} prism
yellowish brown faces dominant.
Z = golden yellow
to reddish brown

Relief high positive Cleavage one poor cleavage,

RI nalpha = 1.736-1.747 not observed in thin
nbeta = 1.740-1.654 section
ngamma = 1.745-1.762

Birefringence 0.009 - 0.015 Twinning not obvious in thin

Interference up to 1st order white section
Colours or yellow

Interference Biaxial Optic X=b

Figure positive Orientation Y=a
Optic Sign 2VZ = 80-90 Z=c
2V optic plane = (100)
parallel extinction in
longitudinal
sections,
symmetrical in basal
sections
longitudinal sections
are length slow

Composition Mg, Al, Ti, Zn, and Alteration alters to sericite or

Si may substitute chlorite
for Fe

Occurrence common in medium Distinguishing colour, pleochroism,

grade pelitic Features relief, and habit
compositions
may be associated
with garnet,
andalusite,
sillimanite, kyanite,
cordierite,
chloritoid, chlorite,
muscovite, and
biotite

ZIRCON

General Formula: System:

Sample: GB 12
ZrSiO4 Tetragonal
 Zircon Zircon
Block diagram
Euhedral zircon grain The same image as that on
showing the
within a granitic gneiss. the left, the high
relationship
Note the highly fractured interference colours of the
between the
nature of the grain and the zircon grain are not readily
crystallographic
very strong relief. evident in this image,
axes and the
Field of View 1 mm, plane Field of View 1 mm,
indicatrix axes.
light crossed polars

Optical Properties

Colour colourless to pale Form euhedral to

Pleochroism brown sudhedral
weakly pleochroic tetragonal
crystals with
pyramidal
terminations

Relief very high positive Cleavage not usually seen

RI nw = 1.920-1.960 in thin section
ne = 1.967-2.015

Birefringence 0.036-0.065 Twinning not twinned

Interference up to third or fourth
Colours order

Interference uniaxial Optic elongate grains

Figure positive Orientation are length slow
Optic Sign with parallel
2V extinction

Composition significant Hf for Zr Alteration does not readily

and minor U and Th alter

Occurrence common accessory Distinguishing small, high-

mineral in felsic rocks Features relief grains with
and less common in bright
mafic rocks, common interference
in metamorphic rocks colours
derived from clastic
sediments, common
detritial mineral

TOURMALINE

General Formula: Sample: PT-123 System:

 Na(Mg,Fe,Li,Al)3Al6 Hexagonal
(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH,F)4 (trigonal)

Radiating Tourmaline
The range of pleochroic
colours displayed by the
Radiating Tourmaline
radiating tourmaline crystals
The extinction of the Block diagram
is evident. Note that the
individual grains varies showing the
grains exhibit their lightest
across the grain aggregate, relationship
and darkest pleochroic colour
when the long axis is between the
when the long axis is parallel
parallel to the polars the crystallographic
and perpendicluar,
grain is extinct. axes and the
respectively, to the lower
Field of View 2.7 mm, indicatrix axes.
polar vibration direction (N-
crossed polars
S).
Field of View 2.7 mm, plane
light

Optical Properties

Colour highly variable, Form euhedral, stubby

Pleochroism blue, green, pink, columnar to acicular
yellow crystals with a
stongly pleochroic rounded triangular to
with w > e, basal crudely hexagonal
sections are cross section
uniformly dark.

Relief moderate to high Cleavage poorly developed,

RI positive fractures are
nw = 1.631-1.968 conchoidal
ne = 1.610-1.675

Birefringence 0.015-0.035 Twinning rare

Interference up to upper
Colours second order, but
commonly
masked by
mineral's colour

Interference uniaxial Optic longitudinal sections

Figure negative Orientation show parallel
Optic Sign extinction and are
2V length fast

Composition highly variable, RI Alteration fairly stable in

and birefringence weathering
increase generally environments
with increasing Fe

Occurrence characteristic Distinguishing crystal habit, distinct

mineral in granites Features pleochrosm.
and related rocks, Tourmaline exhibits
in schists, gneisses its darkest pleochroic
and phyllites and colour when the long
as a detrital axis of the grain is
mineral aligned perpendicular
to the lower polar.