Refractometry Flashcards
1
Q
What does relief refer to in mineralogy?
A
It is an optical impression created by the appearance of one minerals relief in a thin section relative to other minerals. (EX. high relief: appears slightly raised due to large difference in n between minerals)
2
Q
What is the texture observed in high n/ high relief minerals?
A
Shark skin or shagreen texture.
3
Q
What is the Becke line and how does it form?
A
It is a rim of light which moves in and out of mineral when focus is varied. It is caused by refraction and total internal reflection.
4
Q
How does the Becke line behave when nMineral>nMedium?
A
The light is concentrated inside - total internal reflection occurs.
5
Q
How does the Becke line behave when nMineral<nMedium?
A
The light is concentrated outside - refraction.
