Biaxial Minerals
Optic Plane
M Bxa
Isochromes Isogyre
Optic Normal
Isogyre
M Bxa
Optic Plane
Isochromes
Optic Normal
45 Rotation
Optic Normal
Bxa M
2 3 OA 4 Bxa OA 1
Z Y
Convergent cone of light from Auxillary Condensor ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Bxa
M 1
300 nm
Light traveling along any other path experiences varying degrees of retardation, depending on the distance through the mineral and the corresponding birefringence The Isochromes are developed along lines of equal retardation
600 nm 900 nm
2 3 OA 4 Bxa OA 1
Z Y
Convergent cone of light from Auxillary Condensor ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Optic Axis
Y X
Optic Normal
Vibration directions of light rays emerging from the biaxial indicatrix, projected onto the indicatrix surface
Optic Axis
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Isogyre cross forms where the vibration directions of the light rays passing through the mineral are parallel to the vibration directions of the Polars Vibration Directions of light, within the interference figure
Vibration directions for a number of wave paths through the mineral, projected onto the top surface of the mineral Vibration Directions of light, on the surface of the indicatrix, exiting the mineral
FOV M Bxa M
Isogyre Rotation
If the 2V < 60, both Melatopes will remain within the FOV on rotation
ON ON ON M M Bxa M OAP Bxa M OAP
At Extinction
Bxa M OAP
45 from Extinction
With the Optic Axial Plane (OAP) oriented EW, the isogyre forms a cross a that: 1) Narrows at the Melatopes (M), and 2) Widens along the trace of the Optic Normal (ON)
With a rotation of the stage the cross splits into two segments that pivot about the position of the Melatopes (M). Again the isogyre is narrowest at the Melatope.
With the OAP in the 45 position the isogyres form hyperbole centred on the Melatopes (M). Light vibrating along the OAP has an RI=nBxo, light vibrating along the trace of the ON has an RI=n.
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Isogyre Rotation
If the 2V > 60, both Melatopes will remain outside the FOV on rotation
ON ON M Bxa M OAP M M
At Extinction
OAP
OAP ON M
Bxa
Bxa
M
45 from Extinction
Bxa for a mineral with a 2V > 60. Both Melatopes lie outside the FOV, along the thinner arm of the cross. The Isochromes are oriented about the Melatopes. The OAP is oriented parallel to the EW crosshair.
On rotation (30-45) the Isogyre cross splits and the arms leave the FOV in the quadrants into which the OAP is being rotated. The Larger the 2V, the lower the angle of rotation for the Isogyres to exit. Isochrome shape is preserved.
Following a rotation of 45, the OAP is oriented NE-SW and the Isogyres lie entirely outside the FOV. The Isochromes occupy the FOV
Bxa Figure
For minerals with a 2V < 60, the melatopes and Isogyres will remain in the FOV as the stage is rotated For minerals with a 2V > 60, the melatopes will lie outside the FOV And the isogyres will leave the FOV and are not visible in the 45 position
2V = 15
2V = 30
2V = 60 2V = 45
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
An Optic Axis Figure results when one Optic Axis (OA) is vertical The figure may be centred or offcentred, depending on how close to vertical the OA is For a Centred Optic Axis Figure, the melatope for that OA, is positioned directly under the crosshairs
Bxa
OAP
M Bxa M
At Extinction
45 from Extinction
One Melatope (M) lies at the intersection of the crosshairs. The thin arm of the Isogyre marks the position of the OAP and contains the melatopes and the Bxa. With a low 2V the figure resembles an offcentred Bxa Figure
With a rotation of 45, the Isogyre splits into two hyperbolae, centred on the Melatopes. The Isochromes are rotated, yet retain their tear-drop/Figure 8 shape
OAP
Bxa
OAP Bxo
OA
Bxa
Indicatrix is oriented such that one OA is vertical Principal sections and Vibration directions of light are shown on the indicatrix surface.
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
OA ON
Bxa With a counterclockwise rotation the isogyre arm rotates clockwise, pivoting around the M
With the optic plane in the 45 position the Isogyre will show its maximum curvature and the position of the Bxa lies on the convex side of the Isogyre
OAP
Estimate of 2V based on the curvature of the Isogyre in the Optic Axis Figure
OAP
2V = 5
2V = 15
2V = 30
2V = 45
2V = 60
2V = 75
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Isogyre is straight, no curvature OAP lies at 45, passing through the Melatope Cannot determine the position of the Bxa
Bxo
Bxo
Indicatrix is oriented such that the Bxo is vertical OA Bxa The OAP is vertical, containing the Bxo, Bxa and OAs
OA
ON
With a rotation of 5 to 15 the Isogyre cross splits and leaves the FOV in the quadrants into which the OAP is being rotated With a 45 rotation the arms of the Isogyre lie well outside the FOV and the pattern of the Isochromes, if present will be visible
OAP
Bxo
ON
Bxa or Bxo
FOV ON The Indicatrix is oriented such that the Optic Normal (ON) is vertical. The Optic Plane, containing the Bxa, Bxo and OAs, is horizontal and lies in the plane of the section
Bxo
OA Bxa OA
ON
Bxa or Bxo
ON
Bxa
5 Rotation At Extinction
Bxo
With the Bxa and Bxo parallel to the polarization directions the Isogyres form a broad fuzzy cross The Indicatrix is oriented such that the Optic Normal (ON) is vertical. The Optic Plane, containing the Bxa, Bxo and OAs, is horizontal and lies in the plane of the section
ON
Bxa
45 from Extinction
ERSC 2P22 Brock University Greg Finn
Off-Centred Figures
Most interference figures examined during routine microscope work are offcentred figures. In these instances none of the indicatrix or optic axes is vertical. Any combination of orientations are possible for off-centred figures
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