ACTINOLITE-TREMOLITE

General Formula: System:

Sample: M-14
Ca2(Mg,Fe2+)5Si8O22(OH)2 Monoclinic

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

Optical Properties
Colour colourless to pale green Form occurs as columnar,
Pleochroism to dark green, darker bladed or acicular
colours and stronger grains, elongated
pleochroism associated parallel to c axis, may
with high Fe contents be fibrous, basal
X = colourless, pale sections are diamond

1
 yellow green shaped, with typical
Y = pale yellow-green, amphibole cleavage
pale blue-green
Z = pale green, green,
blue-green
Relief moderate to high positive Cleavage two amphibole
RI nalpha = 1.599-1.688 cleavages on {110},
nbeta = 1.612-1.697 intersect at 56 and 124°
ngamma = 1.622-1.705
Birefringence 0.017-0.027 Twinning simple and lamellar
Interference maximum interference 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 +21°
2V optic plane = (010)
elongate sections are
length slow
Composition the primary Alteration alters to talc, chlorite
compositional variation and carbonates
is the relative proportion
of Fe2+ and Mg
Occurrence common occurrence is in Distinguishing actinolite closely
contact and regional Features resembles hornblende,
metamorphosed however the latter
limestone and dolomite. usually has a smaller 2V
Also found in angle and may have a
metamoprhosed mafic higher extinction angle.
and ultramafic rocks. It is
the common fine-grained
alteration product of
pyroxenes.

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

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

Optical Properties
Colour typically brown, Form tabular crystals parallel
Pleochroism browhish green or to {001} with a rough
reddish brown hexagonal shape, also
distinctly pleochroic as micaceous or
tabular grains or grains
with irregular outlines
Relief moderate to Cleavage perfect cleavage on
RI moderately high {001}
positive

4
 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 or
Figure negative Orientation nearly parallel, with a
Optic Sign 0-25° maximum extinction
2V angle of a few degrees.
Cleavage traces are
length slow.
Composition variable composition Alteration alters to chlorite, clay
minerals, and/or
sericite, iron-titanium
oxides, epidote,
calcite, and sulphides
Occurrence common in a wide Distinguishing colour, pleochroism,
range of igneous and Features "birds-eye" extinction,
metamorphic rocks nearly parallel
and may be an extinction
important detrital
mineral in sediments

5
6
 CLINOPYROXENE
General Formula: System:
Sample: AUPI 33
(Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)2(Si,Al)206 Monoclinic

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

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

7
Relief high positive Cleavage typical pyroxene
RI nalpha = 1.664-1.745 cleavages parallel to
nbeta = 1.672-1.753 {110}, which
ngamma = 1.694-1.771 intersect at ~90°
Birefringence 0.018-0.034 Twinning simple and lamellar
Interference lower to middle second twins and
Colours order composition planes,
which in
combination may
form a herringbone
pattern
Interference Biaxial Optic sections parallel to
Figure positive Orientation (100) show parallel
Optic Sign 25-70° 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 solid amphibole), or may
solution among all alter to serpentine,
species and they cannot chlorite, biotite,
be distinguished carbonates and /or
reliably based on their other silicates
optical properties
Occurrence common in mafic Distinguishing inclined extinction,
igneous rocks, alkali- Features higher birefringence,
rich varieties may be 2nd order
found in more silicic interference colours,
rocks, often associated low 2V, optically
with olivine, positive in
orthopyroxene, and comparison with opx
plagioclase

8
9
 KYANITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-51
Al2SiO5 Triclinic

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

10
 1.718 cleavage on {010}, a basal
nbeta= 1.719-1.725 parting on {001} may be
ngamma= 1.724- conspicuous cutting at
1.734 ~85°
Birefringence 0.012-0.016 Twinning rare
Interference first order
Colours colours
Interference biaxial Optic inclined extinction with a
Figure negative Orientation maximum angle of 30°,
Optic Sign 78-84° length slow
2V
Composition relatively pure Alteration may alter to sericite and or
Al2SiO5 with chlorite. May be involved
minor Fe3+, Ti4+ 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 elongation
related
metamoprhic
rocks.

11
12
 NEPHELINE
General Formula: Sample: Nepheline System:
Na3K(Al4Si4O16) Syenite Hexagonal

TITLE TITLE Block diagram showing the relationship

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION between the crystallographic axes and the
SCALE SCALE 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 thin
RI positive section, irregular
nw = 1.529-1.546 fractures
ne = 1.526-1.544
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 3:1 Alteration alters to clay

13
 ratio of Na:K. At high minerals, analcime,
temperatures complete sodalite, calcite,
solid 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 may
related alkalic rocks. be altered and is
Nepehiline is never uniaxial negative.
associated with primary
quartz.

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15
 ORTHOPYROXENE
General Formula: System:
Sample: W-3
(Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 Orthorhombic

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

Optical Properties
Colour pale coloured in thin Form euhedral crystals are
Pleochroism section usually stubby prisms,
with subtle pinkish basal sections are 4 or
to greenish 8 sided, with two
pleochroism primatic cleavages at
90° longitudinal
sections are

16
 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 = 1.657-1.788 intersect at 88°
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 to
Optic Sign 2VZ = 50-132° (100)
2V elongate fragments
exhibit parallel
extinction and are
length slow
Composition the effects of the Alteration alters to serpentine, talc
substituion of Fe for or fine grained
Mg in orthopyroxene amphibole
on the optical
properties is evident
in examining Figure
13.4 in Nesse.
Occurrence Mg-rich opx is Distinguishing distinguished from cpx
common in mafic Features by: 1) lower
intrusive rocks birefringence, 2)
(gabbro, norite, etc.). parallel extinction, 3)
Fe-rich opx is found pale colour, weak
in more siliceous pleochroism, 4) most
igneous rocks common opx is
(diorite, syenite etc.). optically negative, and
opx is common in 5) high 2V angle.
high grade regional
metamorphic rocks

17
18
 STAUROLITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-104c
Fe2Al9O6(SiO4)4(OH)2 Monoclinic

Staurolite Poikiloblast Staurolite

Euhedral staurolite Porphyroblast
poikiloblast, with Staurolite grain at
inclusions of biotite extinction, where Block diagram showing the
and quartz, from a the diamond shape relationship between the
Meguma Group pelite. is clearly visible. crystallographic axes and the
The long diagonal of The long axis of the indicatrix axes.
the staurolite grain staurolite grain
measures 7.5 mm, measures 7.5 mm,
plane light crossed polars

Optical Properties
Colour pale honey yellow or Form crystals are usually
Pleochroism 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, not
RI nalpha = 1.736-1.747 observed in thin
nbeta = 1.740-1.654 section
ngamma = 1.745-1.762

19
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 for chlorite
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

20
21
 ANDALUSITE
General Formula: System:
Sampl: BUPM 17
Al2SiO5 Orthorhombic

Andalusite, var. Andalusite, var.

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

Optical Properties
Colour colourless, rarely pink Form usually elongate
Pleochroism coloured varieties are prisms with nearly
weakly pleochroic square cross sections.
var. chiastolite
contains dark
inclusions that form a
cross along the

22
 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 or
Al2SiO5, but other phyllosilicates,
significant amounts of or as reactant in
Mn3+ and Fe3+ may metamorphic
substitute for reactions
octohedral aluminium
Occurrence common in contact Distinguishing moderate high relief,
and regional Features large 2V, parallel
metamorphsim, extinction, and length
associated with fast
cordierite, garnet,
sillimanite, kyanite,
staurolite, muscovite,
biotite, chlorite and
plagioclase

23
24
 CALCITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: M-24
CaCO3 Hexagonal (trigonal)

Calcite
Calcite
Irregular calcite
Extreme inteference
crystals within a
colours of calcite and Block diagram showing the
marble. Note the
the presence of relationship between the
rhombohedral cleavage
twinning in the top crystallographic axes and the
displayed by the grain
right grain. indicatrix axes.
just left of center.
Field of View = 2.7
Field of View = 2.7
mm, crossed polars
mm, 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 between
marked change with cleavages 74°57'

25
 stage rotation
nw = 1.658
ne = 1.486
Birefringence 0.172 Twinning lamellar twins parallel
Interference extreme, creamy to one edge of the
Colours high order colours cleavage rhomb or
along the long diagonal
of the rhomb
Interference uniaxial Optic extinction is inclined or
Figure negative Orientation symmetrical to cleavage
Optic Sign traces, the fast ray is
2V parallel to the short
diagonal of the
rhombohedral faces
Composition dominantly CaCO3, Alteration altered to dolomite
but substitution of during diagenesis,
Mg, Fe, Mn, or Zn calcite is soluble in
and minor Sr and natural waters and may
Ba 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

26
27
 GARNET
General Formula:
X3Y2(SiO4)3 where
System:
Sample: PT-104
• X = Ca, Mg, Fe2+, Mn Isometric

• Y = Al, Fe3+, Cr

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

Optical Properties
Colour commonly colourless Form euhedral to subhedral
Pleochroism or a pale version of dodecahedral or
the hand sample trapezohedral grains
non pleochroic which display 6 to 8
sides and as anhedral
granular masses
Relief high positive Cleavage none, show irregular
RI n = 1.675-1.890, fractures
highly variable,
depending on
composition
Birefringence NA Twinning not shown
Interference NA
Colours
Interference isotropic - no Optic NA
Figure interference figure Orientation
Optic Sign

28
2V
Composition highly variable Alteration
Occurrence found in metamorphic Distinguishing
rocks of a wide range Features
of compositions, in
some Al-rich granitic
rocks and as a detritial
mineral in sediments
alters to chlorite,
commonly involved
in a variety of mineral
reactions in a variety
of metamorphic rocks
isotropic character,
high relief, and grain
shape

29
 MICROCLINE
General Formula:
System:

Block diagram showing the

TITLE TITLE
relationship between the
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
crystallographic axes and the
SCALE SCALE
indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties
Colour DATA Form Data
Pleochroism

30
Relief Data Cleavage Data
RI
Birefringence Data Twinning Data
Interference Colours
Interference Figure Data Optic Orientation Data
Optic Sign
2V
Composition Data Alteration Data
Occurrence Data Distinguishing Features Data

31
 OLIVINE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-96
(Fe,Mg)2SiO4 Orthorhombic

TITLE TITLE Block diagram showing the relationship

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION between the crystallographic axes and

32
 SCALE SCALE the indicatrix axes.

Optical Properties
Colour usually colourless, Form generally subequant
Pleochroism darker colours anhedral grains or
correspond to aggregates in intrusive
higher iron and metamorphic rocks.
content Equidimensional or
non pleochroic 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 Orientation parallel extinction and
Optic Sign negative may be either length fast
2V 46-98° or slow
commonly alters to iddingsite and
Composition minor substitution Alteration chlorophaeite, which are really mixtures
of Mn, Zn, Ca, Ni, of various minerals which cannot be
identified, and serpentine. Alteration
Cr or Al for Fe progresses from the edge and along
and Mg cracks

pure Fo (Mg-rich) is
Occurrence restricted to metamorphosed
Distinguishing high birefringence,
carbonates, intermediate Fe- Features distinctive fracturing, lack
Mg olivine is common in
mafic and ultramafic igneous of cleavage, and alteration
rocks, Fe-rich olivine occurs products.
in felsic rocks.

33
34
 PLAGIOCLASE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-10C
NaAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8 Monoclinic

Click here

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

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, dependant {010} good cleavage.
on composition nalpha The cleavages intersect
= 1.527 - 1.577 at 93° to 94°.
nbeta = 1.531 - 1.585
ngamma = 1.534 -
1.590
Birefringence 0.007-0.013 Twinning polysynthetic twinning
Interference first order grey or is characteristic.

35
Colours 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 negative composition. Except by
2V varies chance none of the
systematically with indicatrix axes coincides
composition with any of the
crystallographic axes.
Composition plagioclase shows Alteration commonly partially
continuous solid altered to sericite, clay
solution from albite or zeolites. Plagioclase
to anorthite with also may alter to
NaSi replacing saussurite, a fine grained
CaAl. aggregrate of epidote
group minerals, albite,
sericite and other
minerals.
Occurrence widespread mineral Distinguishing low relief, colourless,
found in nearly all Features biaxial figure,
igneous rocks, in polysynthetic twinning.
many metamorphic
rocks and some

36
sediments. The
composition of
igneous plagioclase
will reflect the
composition of the
melt from which the
mineral formed.

37
 SILLIMANITE
General Formula: System:
Smaple: PT-78(2)
Al2SiO5 Orthorhombic

Sillimanite var. Acute Bisectrix Block diagram showing

38
 Note the low, first order
grey, interference colours.
prismatic The grains are oriented
Euhedral prismatic such that the view is
sillimanite, displaying a looking down the c
single cleavage. This is crystallographic axis and the relationship between
one of two common the Z indicatrix axis - the the crystallographic axes
forms of sillimanite, the acute bisectrix. The rock and the indicatrix axes.
other is fibrolite. type is a high grade pelite
Field of View 2.7 mm, 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 length
ngamma= 1.672-1.683 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 Al2SiO5 Alteration may alter to sericite.
with minor Fe3+, Ti4+ or May be involved in a
Cr3+ 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 grade Features moderate

39
pelitic schist, gneiss birefringence, parallel
and related extinction, and habit
metamoprhic rocks.
Associated with
kyanite, andalusite,
staurolite, muscovite,
biotite, K-feldpsar,
cordierite, corundum,
and garnet.

40
 TOURMALINE
System:
General Formula:
Sample: PT-123 Hexagonal
Na(Mg,Fe,Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH,F)4
(trigonal)

41
 Radiating
Tourmaline
Radiating Tourmaline
The extinction of
The range of pleochroic colours displayed
the individual Block diagram
by the radiating tourmaline crystals is
grains varies across showing the
evident. Note that the grains exhibit their
the grain aggregate, relationship between
lightest and darkest pleochroic colour when
when the long axis the crystallographic
the long axis is parallel and perpendicluar,
is parallel to the axes and the
respectively, to the lower polar vibration
polars the grain is indicatrix axes.
direction (N-S).
extinct.
Field of View 2.7 mm, plane light
Field of View 2.7
mm, crossed polars

Optical Properties
Colour highly variable, Form euhedral, stubby
Pleochroism blue, green, pink, columnar to acicular
yellow crystals with a rounded
stongly pleochroic triangular to crudely
with w > e, basal hexagonal cross section
sections are
uniformly dark.
Relief moderate to high Cleavage poorly developed,
RI positive fractures are conchoidal
nw = 1.631-1.968
ne = 1.610-1.675
Birefringence 0.015-0.035 Twinning rare
Interference up to upper second
Colours order, but
commonly masked
by mineral's colour
Interference uniaxial Optic longitudinal sections
Figure negative Orientation show parallel extinction
Optic Sign and are length fast
2V
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. Tourmaline
and related rocks, exhibits its darkest
in schists, gneisses pleochroic colour when

42
and phyllites and as the long axis of the
a detrital mineral grain is aligned
perpendicular to the
lower polar.

43
 APATITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-10C
Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl) Hexagonal

44
 Hexagonal and
elongated Apatite
needles
The hexagonal
Hexagonal and
grains are cross
elongated Apatite
sections of apatite
needles
needles, cut
Fine grained
perpendicular to the
hexagonal and
long axis which
elongated needles of Block diagram showing the relationship
also corresponds to
apatite included in between the crystallographic axes and
the c
plagioclase and the indicatrix axes.
crystallographic
clinopyroxene within
axis and the optic
an olivine diabase.
axis, thus the
The long axis of the
needles appear
image is 0.9 mm,
black.
plane light view
The long axis of the
image is 0.9
mm,crossed polar
view

Optical Properties
Colour usually colourless Form small euhedral to

45
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 show
Figure negative Orientation parallel extinction and
Optic Sign are length fast
2V
Composition widest variation in Alteration stable in most geologic
composition is environments
associated with the
hydroxyl site, e.g. F
for OH for Cl
Occurrence present as an Distinguishing moderate to high relief,
accessory in a wide Features low birefringence and
variety of igneous uniaxial character
and metamorphic
rocks and as detrital
grains in
sedimentary rocks

46
47
 CHLORITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-115D
(Mg,Fe,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2*(Mg,Fe,Al)3(OH)6 Monoclinic and Triclinic

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

Optical Properties
Colour light to medium green Form commonly found as
Pleochroism pleochroic, expressed plates similar to micas
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

48
Colours yellow, may exhibit
anomalous blue or
purplish interference
colours
Interference biaxial Optic extinction angle up to
Figure positive or negative Orientation 9°, cleavage trace in
Optic Sign 0-60° (positive) 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 in Distinguishing colour, weak
contact and regional Features pleochroism, and
metamorphic rocks of weak birefringence
low grade, as an
alteration product of
mafic minerals in
igneous rocks

49
50
 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:

Sample: GF-83-21A
Ca2Fe3+Al2O(Si2O7)(SiO4)(OH) Monoclinic

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

Optical Properties
Colour higher Fe epidote Form found as anhedral
Pleochroism produces a light yellow- grains or granular
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 usually
nbeta = 1.725-1.784 seen
ngamma = 1.734-1.797
Birefringence 0.012-0.049 Twinning rare
Interference Maximum interference
Colours colours up to 3rd order,
depending on
composition
Interference biaxial Optic optic orientation

51
Figure negative Orientation varies strongly with
Optic Sign 2VX = 90-64° composition. in all
2V 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 and clinozoisite by optic
contact metamorphic sign, birefringence,
rocks. A wide variety of and colour.
igneous rocks contain
epidote as a primary
accessory mineral.

52
 HORNBLENDE
General Formula:
System:
(Na,K)0- Sample: AUPI-37
Monoclinic
1Ca2(Mg,Fe ,Fe ,Al)5(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2
2+ 3+

53
 Euhedral
Hornblende
Phenocrysts
Note that the
Euhedral Hornblende Phenocrysts
interference colour
Numerous hornblende phenocrysts,
exhibited by the Block diagram showing the relationship
exhibiting a range of pleochroic
individual between the crystallographic axes and
colours, euhedral shapes and two
hornblende grains is the indicatrix axes.
cleavages which intersect at 56-124°:.
masked to some
Field of View = 2.7 mm, plane light
degree by the dark
colour of the grain.
Field of view = 2.7
mm, 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 6
green and brown sided cross section which
X = light yellow, exhibit amphibole
light yellow green, cleavage at 56 and 124°,
light blue green also as anhedral irregular

54
 Y = green, yellow grains
green, gray-green,
brown
Z = dark green, dark
blue-green, dark
gray-green, dark
brown
Relief moderate to high Cleavage amphibole cleavages on
RI nalpha = 1.60-1.70 {110} intersect at 56-124°
nbeta = 1.61-1.71 fragment shape is
ngamma = 1.62-1.73 controlled by cleavage

Birefringence 0.014-0.034 Twinning simple and lamellar twins

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

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

Figure positive or negative Orientation Z^c = +12 to +34°, optic
Optic Sign 35 - 130° plane = (010)
2VX 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 range Alteration may be altered to biotite,

of compositions chlorite or other Fe-Mg
silicates

Occurrence common mineral found Distinguishing cleavage and grain shape,

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

55
56
 MUSCOVITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: PT-51
KAl2(Al,Si3O10)(OH)2 Monoclinic

Muscovite Flakes
Muscovite Flakes The flakes of
Elongated, muscovite display
colourless flakes of the characteristic
muscovite, in a second order blue
pelite from the interference colour.
Block diagram showing the relationship
Grenville Note that the
between the crystallographic axes and the
Supergroup, Central muscovite flakes
indicatrix axes.
Metasedimentary define the fabric in
Belt of the the sample, with all
Grenville Province. exhibiting an EW
Field of view = 2.7 orientation.
mm, 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 {001}
RI nalpha = 1.552-1.580
nbeta = 1.582-1.620
ngamma = 1.587-1.623
Birefringence 0.036-0.049 Twinning rare

57
Interference vivid second order blues
Colours 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 variety Distinguishing colourless,
of metamorphic rocks, Features parallel
felsic igneous rocks and extinction,
as detrital grains in "birds-eye"
sedimentary rocks extinction

58
 QUARTZ
General Formula: System:
Sample: M-20
SiO2 Hexagonal (trigonal)

59
 Orthoquartzite
Subrounded quartz
Orthoquartzite
grains cemented in
Note the variety of
a matrix of silica.
orientations present Block diagram showing the
The grain
in the randomly relationship between the
boundaries are
oriented quartz crystallographic axes and the
clearly marked by
grains. indicatrix axes.
the fine grained
Field of View 2.7
inclusions.
mm, crossed polars
Field of View 2.7
mm, plane light

Optical Properties
Colour colourless Form typically anhedral to
Pleochroism non-pleochroic 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 interference

60
Colours 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 extinction crystals cut from end
2V may show a biaxial to end are length
interference figure slow.
with a small
separation of the
isogyres.
Composition essentially pure SiO2, Alteration not readily altered
although trace and is very stable in
amounts of Ti, Fe, weathering
Mn, Al may be environments.
present.
Occurrence one of the most widely Distinguishing low relief, low
abundant minerals, Features birefringence, lack of
present in a wide cleavage, uniaxial
variety of positive.
environments.

61
62
 SPHENE/TITANITE
General Formula: System:
Sample: 88-18
CaTiOSiO4 Monoclinic

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

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}, but
nbeta = 1.870-2.034 not usually obvious
ngamma = 1.943-2.110 in thin section
Birefringence 0.100-0.192 Twinning simple twins on
Interference extreme birefringince {100} and lamellar
Colours produces upper order twins on {221}
white/cream

63
 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
substitute for Ti4+, a
wide variety of other
cations, e.g. REE, U
and Th, may substitute
for Ti.
Occurrence a common accessory in Distinguishing very high relief and
a wide variety of Features extreme
igneous and birefringence
metamorphic rocks.

64
 ZIRCON
General Formula: System:
Sample: GB 12
ZrSiO4 Tetragonal

Zircon Zircon Block diagram showing the

Euhedral zircon grain The same image as that relationship between the

65
within a granitic gneiss. on the left, the high
Note the highly interference colours of
fractured nature of the the zircon grain are not
crystallographic axes and the
grain and the very readily evident in this
indicatrix axes.
strong relief. image,
Field of View 1 mm, Field of View 1 mm,
plane light crossed polars

Optical Properties
Colour colourless to pale brown Form euhedral to
Pleochroism weakly pleochroic sudhedral
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 order
Colours
Interference uniaxial Optic elongate grains
Figure positive Orientation are length slow
Optic Sign with parallel
2V extinction
Composition significant Hf for Zr and Alteration does not readily
minor U and Th alter
Occurrence common accessory Distinguishing small, high-relief
mineral in felsic rocks Features grains with bright
and less common in mafic interference
rocks, common in colours
metamorphic rocks
derived from clastic
sediments, common
detritial mineral

66
67