Define An Indicatrix

Name :Anotida T Marerwa
Reg Number: R195976A

Advanced Mineralogy
a)Define an indicatrix
b)Giving an example, describe how it is constructed (10)
c)Compare birefringence colours and indicatrices for uniaxial and biaxial minerals
(20)
1
a]
An indicatrix is an ellipsoid with axes proportional to the principal refractive index of
a crystal. The particular crystal in question will have several optical properties that
may be deduced.
b]
An example is an optical indicatrix. The indicatrix is constructed by plotting indices
of refraction as radii parallel to the vibration direction of the light.The ray p, travelling
along Y, vibrates parallel to the Z-axis so its index of refraction (np) is plotted as radii
along Z. The ray q that travels along X vibrates parallel to Y. Its index of refraction
(nq) is plotted as radii along Y. The surface of the indicatrix is defined when indices
of refraction for all possible light rays are plotted similarly, the surface of the
indicatrix is defined. Mineral symmetry determines shape of indicatrix.
c]
That which is resultant by certain material in which incident ray of light is split in two
rays is called birefringence. One ray is called extraordinary ray and ordinary ray,
which are linear polarized in orthogonal planes. Also circular polarize in opposite
direction.
By orienting a crystal with its C axis upright,we come about an indicatrix for a
mineral that is uniaxial. Light that will be travelling about and along the above axis
will move at right angle to the axis but parallel to the refractive index way.
Illumination that vibrates at right angles to the above axis is usually linked with O
rays. If lines are to be sketched, having lengths that are hand in hand with the
associated directional index of refraction, a circle circular section with a radius w
results.
Anisotropic minerals that crystallize in orthorhombic, triclinic or monoclinic systems
are biaxial. They posses two axes. An ellipsoidal of variations of refractive indice in a
mineral is what is called a biaxial indicatrix.
In biaxial minerals vibration directions are possible in three orientations. Alpha, beta
and gamma rays are forms in which the light travels as. Crystallographic axes
correspond to the above directions of vibration and relative refractive index are fixed.
The alpha ray corresponds to the X-axis and has the lowest refractive index all the
2
time. Respectively the beta and gamma responds to the Y and Z with respective
moderate to very great refractive indices. Biaxial mineral are less symmetrical in their
crystal state. The lack of symmetry results in the two optic axes and two isogyres
when we take an interference figure.
In the case of optical minerals and interference figures, the interference colors are low
and under crossed polar. When the stage is rotated the mineral seems black in color.
The birefrengence is zero. The above is for uniaxial minerals. For biaxial minerals,
when beta direction of the indicatrix aligned at right angles to the stage, a resultant
optical normal figure will result and comes about when the microscope is in
conoscopic mode. By switching to orthorhombic mode will reflect the maximum
birefringence of the mineral hence maximum interference colours.
In the case where the optic axes of the uniaxial minerals is horizontal or parallel to the
stage , the isogyres split and leaves the field of view in a flash upon slight
rotation .Thus the mineral has the absolutely maximum interference figure and the
interference will be high.Whereas in biaxial minerals , if the optic axes plane is
parallel to one of the cross it forms the obtuse bisectrix figure.The mineral exhibits
relatively high interference colours during the rotation of the stage giving a low
birefringence .
When the optic axial of uniaxial mineral is raised from the microscope’s vertical axis,
the isogyres is only seen once. It is not seen simultaneously in the view. In this
placement the mineral exhibits intermediate interference colors. This indicates
intermediate birefringence. Biaxial minerals produce bisectrix figures when inclined.
In conoscopic mode inclined at 45 degrees, the isogyres go to their maximum
curvature where two melatopes mark the path of light rays along the optic axis. The
isochromes tend to magnify in interference colors multi-directionally from the
melatope . This is dependent on the increasing thickness and birefringence of the
crystal.
3
References:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicatrix
learning.ufs.ac.za
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~mpeterso/classes/phys301/projects2001/pajudge/
biaxial.html
https://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/uniaxial_minerals.html
http://sarahlambart.com/teaching/optmi

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Name :Anotida T Marerwa

Reg Number: R195976A

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