Minerales

Biotite K2(Mg,Fe)2(OH)2(AlSi3O10)
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative; strong pleochroism in brown, reddish brown, and green; extinction is
parallel to one excellent cleavage. Near extinction, a "crinkly", or sparkly appearance is
common (upper left photo). The most distinctive properties of biotite are the
combination of strong pleochroism and parallel extinction. The view upper right, in
plane polarized light, shows a biotite flake lying on its cleavage, with tiny inclusions of
zircon; radioactive decay of uranium in the zircon crystals has destroyed the biotite
lattice near the inclusions, creating dark a dark halo around each zircon.
Although hornblende has similar pleochroic colors and can be confused with biotite,
hornblende has inclined extinction, not parallel extinction.
Occurrence:
Biotite is a common mineral in siliceous intrusive rocks such as granite, quartz
monzonite, granodiorite, and tonalite. It is less common in siliceous volcanic rocks.
Biotite appears in shale, phyllite, and schist derived from shale protoliths.
Alteration:
In the photo above, biotite (dark mineal) is altering to chlorite.
Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List
Clinopyroxene
Optical Properties:
The clinopyroxene group includes diopside, augite, jadeite, pigeonite, hedenbergite, and
others. It is generally difficult to distinguish between individuals in this group optically.
All are biaxially positive, with moderate relief and up to second order birefringence
colors, and all have pyroxene 87 degree cleavage and inclined extinction. Many
clinopyroxenes have pale greenish pleochroism.
The photos above show a clinopyroxene grain in crossed (left) and uncrossed polarizers;
exsolution lamellae of orthopyroxene are clearly visible in the left photo.
Occurrence:
Clinopyroxenes are abundant in many intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks, including
diorite, gabbro, the peridotite family, basalt, and andesite. They also occur in
metamorphosed mafic rocks, and jadeite is a constituent of some blueschist facies rocks.
Above: clinopyroxene crystal in basalt: crossed polarizers on left, plane light on right.
Field of view 1.5 mm.
Complex twins in lunar mare clinopyroxene in crossed polarizers (left). Two cleavages
in pyroxene in plane polarized light (right).
Hornblende Ca2(Mg,Fe,Al)5(OH)2[(Si,Al)4O11]2
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative; high 2V (50-85 degrees); strong pleochroism in greens and browns; 2
cleavages at 56 degrees; moderate birefringence (second order colors, often masked by
the mineral's strong color. Hornblende's strong pleochroism and inclined extinction are
its most distinctive characteristics.
Occurrence:
Hornblende is common in many intrusive igneous rocks ranging from granite to gabbro;
it is also present in medium grade metamorphosed mafic rocks. Hornblende occurs in
some volcanic rocks, but it is less abundant in extrusive rocks than in intrusive rocks.
Alteration:
Hornblende commonly alters to biotite or chlorite.
The photographs above show hornblende in crossed polars (left) and in plane polarized
light (right photo). The black grains are an opaque mineral (magnetite). The dark
reddish brown mineral in the left photo is biotite.
The photos above (left in plane light, right under crossed polarizers) show dark
hornblende in the upper left corner, and dark biotite in the lower right, with plagioclase
in a diorite.
Leucite KAl(SiO3)2
Optical Properties:
Pseudoisometric; colorless; euhedral crystals; very weak birefringence; polysynthetic
twins in several directions.
The photos above show leucite under crossed polarizers (left view; note polysynthetic
twins), and plane polarized light (right photo).
Occurrence:
Restricted to silica undersaturated lavas and tuffs, almost exclusively as phenocrysts.
Microcline KAlSi3O8
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative; first order gray interference color; "basketweave" twinning (multiple
twins crossing at almost right angles), as shown in the pictures above, is almost always
present; note how twins pinch and swell, unlike most plagioclase twins. In the photo on
the right microcline occurs with biotite and quartz.
Occurrence:
Common in quartz-rich intrusive rocks such as granite, and in some moderate to high
temperature metamorphic rocks; it does not occur in volcanic rocks. It may be
intergrown with plagioclase to form perthite. At higher temperature, orthoclase forms

instead of microcline.
Muscovite KAl2(OH)2(AlSi3O10)
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative, small 2V (30-40 degrees); clear in plane polarized light; high
birefringence, producing up to third order colors; 1 excellent cleavage; parallel
extinction. Muscovite is a distinctive mineral, because of its high birefringence, parallel
extinction, and excellent basal cleavage.
The two photographs above show muscovite in crossed polarizers (left photo) and
uncrossed polarizers (right photo) in granite. In the left picture, muscovite shows yellow
to blue interference colors; it is colorless and clear in uncrossed polarizers. Microcline is
in the lower right and at the right edges of the photographs, and biotite is the pleochroic
(colored) mineral most clearly visible in the right photo.
In the left photo below (crossed polarizers), a muscovite grain shows high birefringence
and bent cleavage planes. In the plane polarized light view on the right, clear, subhedral
muscovite cuts diagonally across the picture and appears to penetrate the dark biotite
grain.
Occurrence:
Common in pegmatites, low to medium grade metamorphic rocks, and present in some
granites.
Myrmekite
Optical Description:
Myrmekite is a "wormy" intergrowth of quartz in sodic plagioclase. In the photo above,
quartz is the light gray "worms" in a plagioclase grain that is extinct. Other minerals
present are plagioclase (upper right) , biotite (upper left), and quartz (extinct grain in
lower left corner.
Occurrence:
Myrmekite occurs in quartz-rich intrusive rocks.
Nepheline (Na,K)(Al,Si)2O4
Optical Properties:
Uniaxial -; colorless; poor cleavage; low relief; first order gray interference colors;
parallel extinction.
In the photo above (crossed polarizers), nepheline poikilitically encloses twinned
plagioclase crystals.
Occurrence:
Silica undersaturated igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenite, phonolite, and some
basalts. Does not occur with quartz.
Olivine (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Optical Properties:
Biaxial + or -; very high 2V. Usually colorless in plane light, but Fe-rich varieties have
green pleochroism; poor cleavage in one direction; parallel extinction; up to third order
interference colors. Commonly has conchoidal fractures and some alteration to
serpentine or talc. Distinguished from orthopyroxene by high birefringence, and from
clinopyroxene by parallel extinction.
The photos above (crossed polarizers on left, plane light view on right) show the usual
appearance of olivine in ultramafic rocks: curved fractures, andhedral grains, high relief,
high birefringence.
Occurrence:
Olivine is abundant in most ultramafic rocks and is a common constituent of many
basalts and gabbros. It is less abundant in diorites and andesites.
The photos below are a dunite on the left (>90% olivine), showing the mineral's high
birefringence; on the right is a mixture of olivine and twinned plagioclase, showing the
difference in interference colors of the two minerals.
More Olivine
Orthoclase KAlSi3O8
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative; first order gray interference colors; negative relief; simple twins only:
no polysynthetic twins. Commonly has a cloudy appearance, like the light gray grain in
the photo above, because of clay alteration. Distinguished from quartz by biaxial optics,
twins, and negative relief.
Occurrence:
Common in some siliceous intrusive rocks, syenite, trachyte, and high temperature
metamorphic rocks.
Orthopyroxene (Mg,Fe)SiO3
Optical Properties:
Enstatite, hypersthene, and ferrosilite are members of the orthopyroxene solid solution
series. All have low birefringence (first order red maximum), parallel extinction, and
pyroxene 87 degree cleavage. Pale green, pale red, or pale purple pleochroism occurs in
some grains. Distinguished from clinopyroxene by low order interference colors and
parallel extinction. The photo above shows one cleavage and thin exsolution lamellae.
Occurrence:
Orthopyroxene occurs with clinopyroxene in many igneous rocks, such as gabbro,

diorite, basalt, andesite, and the peridotite family. It is an indicator mineral for the
granulite and pyroxene hornfels facies of metamorphism.
Fine exsolution lamellae in orthopyroxene. Field of view 1.5 mm, crossed polarizers.
Oxyhornblende (Lamprobolite, Basaltic Hornblende)

Ca,Mg,Fe,Al silicate, an amphibole
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; 2V 60-80 degrees; yellow to reddish brown pleochroism; amphibole cleavage;
extinction angle close to 0 degrees. Pleochroic colors are distinctive.
The photograph above shows phenocrysts of lamprobolite in andesite.
Occurrence:
Volcanic rocks such as andesite and others.
Perthite KAlSi3O8 and Plagioclase (Na-Ca Al Silicate)

Optical Properties:
Perthite is actually two minerals: an intergrowth of sodic plagioclase in K-feldspar
(orthoclase or microcline). The intergrowths are commonly stringy (as in the photo
above), but they may be globular, lensoid, or other shapes. First order gray interference
colors. When the optic sign is determined, it may be either + or -, depending on whether
the lens is focused on K-feldspar or intergrown plagioclase.
Occurrence:
Common in siliceous intrusive rockssuch as granite and quartz monzonite; also in
syenite, trachyte, and some metamorphic rocks.
Plagioclase NaAlSi3O8 to CaAl2Si2O8

Optical Properties:
Biaxial + or -, first order gray to very pale straw yellow interference colors; low relief;
polysynthetic twinning is very common, as in the photos on the left, which helps
distsinguish plagioclase from orthoclase; twins are typically continuous, with parallel
sides, unlike microcline. Plagioclase also may be strongly zoned, as in the photos at the
right above: normal zoning when the center of the grain is more Ca-rich than the edges,
and oscillatory zoning when the composition alternates from Ca- to Na-richer zones.
Plagioclase composition may be determined by several optical techniques. Perhaps the
easiest technique to apply is the Michel-Levy method.
Occurrence:
Plagioclase is the most abundant mineral in Earth's crust, occurring in most igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
Sericite (fine-grained muscovite) flakes altering plagioclase grain in the center of the
picture; zoned plagioclase in the lower left; twinned plagioclase upper right.
Quartz:
Optical properties:
Uniaxial positive; first order interference colors (gray to pale yellow); undulant
extinction; clear in plane polarized light; conchoidal fracture; no visible cleavage or
twinning. In intrusive rocks, quartz is typically a late-forming mineral and therefore
interstitial to other minerals.
The photos on this page are under crossed polarizers: on the left above is strained quartz
in a granite; on the right is a quartz phenocryst in rhyolitic glass, showing conchoidal
fracture. The photos below show quartz grains in a sedimentary rock, conglomerate. On
the left, Boehm lamellae in the grains indicate a high stress regime; the grains on the
right show sutured grain boundaries and internal strain, indicating a probable
metamorphic origin.
Occurrence:
Many intrusive rocks, such as granite, quartz monzonite, granodiorite, tonalite, etc;
extrusive rocks such as rhyolite, dacite, etc., and many metamorphic and sedimentary
rocks.
Sanidine KAlSi3O8
Optical Properties:
Biaxial negative, small 2V, first order gray interference color, simple twins, 2 cleavages.
Both photos above are under crossed polarizers; on the left is a sanidine grain with
Carlsbad twin; on the right, the large grain at the right is sanidine; the phenocrysts at the
left edge of the photo are quartz. The rocks in both cases are rhyolites.
Occurrence:
Restricted to volcanic rocks or very high temperature contact metamorphic rocks
(sanidinite facies) that are rich in potassium.
Sphene (Titanite) CaTiSiO5

Optical Properties:
Biaxial +; 2V 23-50 degrees; colorless to very pale yellow to brown or green
pleochroism; extreme birefringence; very high relief.
The photos above, both in plane polarized light, show the very high relief of nearly
colorless sphene in a feldspar-rich rock. The pleochroic mineral in the picture on the
right is acmite.
Zeolites
The zeolite group of minerals are hydrous Ca-Na aluminum silicates. Only four of the
group are listed here; there are many more varieties, and many look similar in thin
section. The zeolites are listed here as secondary minerals in igneous rocks, a common
environment for them, but they are widespread in some marine and fresh water deposits
as well.
Analcite NaAl(SiO3)2.H2O
Isometric, therefore extinct under crossed polarizers. Occurs as vesicle fillings and
replacement in some lavas, and deposited in some lake beds. Shown as vesicle filling
upper left (crossed polarizers).
Heulandite H4CaAl2(SiO3)6.3H2O
Biaxial +; first order gray interference colors; 2V 0-48 degrees; parallel extinction; 1
excellent cleavage. Occurs as a secondary mineral in volcanic rocks. Shown as vesicle
filling in upper right photo.
Thomsonite NaCa2Al5(SiO4)5.6H2O
Biaxial +; colorless in plane polarized light; low birefringence; fibrous to bladed or
columnar aggregates. Occurs as cavity filling in igneous rocks, as shown under crossed
polarizers at upper left.
Stilbite H4(Ca,Na2)Al2(SiO3)6.4H2O
Biaxial-; first order gray birefringence; colorless in plane polarized light; 1 good
direction of cleavage; wavy extinction. Occurs as cavity fillings in igneous rocks and as
hydrothermal alteration.
Andalusite Al2SiO5
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; very high 2V; usually colorless, may be red under crossed polarizers; first
order gray interference colors; typically euhedral (idioblastic) crystals; 2 cleavages;
parallel or symmetrical extinction. Carbonaceous inclusions may be arranged
symmetrically to form a variety called chiastolite.
The photograph shows a porphyroblast of andalusite, with faint dark cross of
carbonaceous specks, in a fine-grained hornfels.
Occurrence:
Common mineral in contact metamorphosed shales; also occurs in regional, high
temperature, low pressure metamorphic rocks and in granite pegmatites.
Chlorite Mg,Al silicate family of micaceous minerals

Optical Properties:
Biaxial; depending on the composition and chlorite variety, chlorite may be positive or
negative; 2V 0-30 degrees; colorless to pale green pleochroism; low birefringence (first
order colors, though occasionally anomalous blue); typically occurs as tiny flakes.
The photos above show chlorite filling a vesicle in basalt. Plane polarized light on the
left, crossed polarizers on the right.
Occurrence:
Chlorite is a common alteration of ferromagnesian minerals; it is abundant in many low
grade metamorphic rocks.
Epidote-Clinozoisite Ca2(Al,Fe)3(OH)(SiO4)3
Optical Properties:
Biaxial + or -; 2V 56 to 89 degrees; colorless (clinozoisite) to yellowish green (epidote)

pleochroism (upper right photo); birefringence weak in clinozoisite, to strong in
epidote; clinozoisite typically has anomalous blue interference color (upper left photo);
extinction is parallel in elongate grains.
Occurrence:
Commonly occurs in low to medium grade metamorphic rocks, and as hydrothermal or
deuteric alteration in igneous rocks.
Garnet Mg,Fe,Mn,Ca,Cr silicates

Optical Properties:
Garnet is isotropic, therefore extinct under crossed polarizers. In thin section, it may be
colorless, pale red to dark brown, greenish, etc. All members of the garnet family have
very high relief, and they commonly form euhedral crystals.
The photograph above left shows garnet under uncrossed polarizers; chlorite is altering
the garnet along its left margin and within a fracture. The photo on the right with
crossed polarizers shows a garnet crystal at extinction, surrounded by muscovite and
glaucophane in glaucophane schist.
Occurrence:
Garnet is characteristic of metamorphic rocks such as schists, but it may also be found
less commonly in igneous rocks.
In the photograph below, under crossed polarizers, an extinct garnet grain in a schist
contains numerous quartz inclusions.
Glaucophane Na2Mg3Al2(OH)2(Si4O11)2
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; strong pleochroism, blue to violet to colorless to pale brown; amphibole
cleavage.
The two photos above are in plane polarized light, illustrating the unique pleochroism of
glaucophane.
Occurrence:
Occurs in low grade metamorphic rocks, associated with white mica, albite, quartz,
chlorite, epidote, and occasionally lawsonite and jadeite.
The picture on the left, in plane polarized light, is a mixture of lightly colored
glaucophane, colorless white mica, and dark, high relief epidote in a low grade schist.
On the right is a crossed polarizers view of a glaucophane schist with a large, isotropic
garnet in the center, surrounded by highly birefringent glaucophane and white mica.
Kyanite Al2SiO5
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; very high 2V; colorless to pale blue in plane polarized light; tabular crystals; 2
cleavages; high relief; maximum first order red interference colors; inclined extinction
that can almost be parallel.
The photos above and below show kyanite in crossed polarized view on the left, and in
plane polarized light on the right. Kyanite is surrounded by biotite and muscovite in the
top photos, and by quartz in the lower photos. The cleavage, relief, and bladed form of
kyanite are clearly visible.
Lawsonite H4CaAl2Si2O10
Optical Properties:
Biaxial +; 2V>80 degrees; colorless; interference colors to second order; polysynthetic
twinning is apparent is some grains; two good cleavages. Both of the photos above are
under crossed polarizers. In the photo on the left, polysynthetic twins are apparent; on
the right, various interference colors of lawsonite are shown.
Occurrence:
Lawsonite is an indicator mineral of blueschist grade metamorphism (high pressure, low
temperature metamorphism). It is associated with white mica, glaucophane, epidote,
chlorite, albite, quartz, and occasionally jadeite and aragonite.
Prehnite H2Ca2Al2(SiO4)3
Optical Properties:
Biaxial +; variable 2V; moderate birefringence, up to high second order colors;colorless
in plane polarized light; 1 good cleavage; high relief; parallel extinction; tabular
crystals.
The photos above illustrate typical prehnite occurrences, in veins in low grade
metamorphic rocks. On the left, in plane polarized light, is a thin vein with pumpellyite
and clear, elongate crystals of prehnite. On the right, under crossed polarizers, prehnite
birefringence is displayed. Both photographs have a field of view of 1.5 mm.
Occurrence:
Occurs in the matrix and in veins in low temperature metamorphic rocks, and as a
vesicle filling in some lavas.
Pumpellyite Ca4(Mg,Fe,Mn)
(Al,Fe,Ti)5O(OH)3[Si2O7]2[SiO4]2.H2O
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; 2V varies from low to very high; moderate interference colors, which may be
anomalous; colorless to green, brown, or yellow in plane polarized light; generally in
fibrous form. Crossed polarizer (left, above) and plane polarized light views (right,
above) show the typical appearance of pumpellyite in thin section.
The photo below (plane polarized light) shows pumpellyite in a thin vein, a typical
occurrence in blueschist metamorphic veins.
Occurrence:
Pumpellyite is a low temperature metamorphic mineral that commonly occurs with
chlorite, albite, prehnite, clinozoisite, etc.
Serpentine H4Mg3Si2O9
Optical Properties:
Serpentine minerals may be either biaxial + or -, with 2V varying from 0 to 90 degrees.
All members of the group have low birefringence (first order yellow maximum) and
parallel extinction. The mineral habit is fibrous, and in plane polarized light grains are
colorless to pale green. Grain size is typically too small to determine many optical
properties.
Occurrence:
The serpentine group of minerals is formed by metamorphism and hydrothermal
alteration of mafic minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene.
The photos above show serpentine in crossed polarizers (left) and plane polarized light
(right). The rock shown is almost 100% serpentine; the equant crystal forms seen are
serpentine pseudomorphs after olivine.
The picture below left (1.5 mm field of view, crossed polarizers) shows light gray
stringers of serpentine altering clinopyroxene (at extinction). On the right is a
clinopyroxene grain surrounded by gray serpentine (crossed polarizers).
Sillimanite Al2SiO5
Optical Properties:
Biaxial +; small 2V (20-30 degrees); slender, needle-like habit; high relief; up to middle
second order interference colors; parallel extinction.
The photos above show the needle-like form and birefringence of sillimanite (crossed
polarizers on left, plane light on right).
The lower pictures (of two different sillimanite schists) show somewhat finer- grained
needles of sillimanite (crossed polarizers on left, plane light on right).
Occurrence:
Occurs principally in medium to high grade regional and contact metamorphosed shales.
Staurolite 2Al2SiO5.Fe(OH)2
Optical Properties:
Biaxial +; very high 2V; colorless to yellow to yellow-brown pleochroism; high relief;
maximum interference color first order red; parallel or symmetrical extinction; prismatic
crystals. Distinguishing features are color and pleochroism, and the typical presence of
numerous quartz inclusions.
The photos above (crossed polarizers on left, plane polarized light on right) show
typical inclusion-rich staurolite and characteristic interference color and color in plane
light. The picture below, under crossed polarizers, shows a large staurolite grain in a
schist, surrounded by brightly colored muscovite and some quartz.
Occurrence
Staurolite occurs in regional dynamothermal metamorphosed shales, as porphyroblasts
associated with garnet, biotite, muscovite, and possibly kyanite.
Stilpnomelane H2(Mg,Fe)Al2SiO7
Optical Properties:
Biaxial , but with 2V close to 0 degrees; extinction almost parallel; brown to yellow
green pleochroism is distinctive.
The photographs above show golden stilpnomelane in plane polarized light (left) and
under crossed polarizers (right). The photo below (uncrossed polarizers) shows
stilpnomelane in a characteristic sheaf-like arrangement.
Occurrence:
Stilpnomelane occurs in some low grade, burial metamorphic rocks, with quartz, white
mica, garnet, etc.
Dunite
Dunite contains over 90% olivine, typically with allotriomorphic-granular (gabbroic)
texture. Dunites form during differentiation of mafic melts and as segregations in the
mantle. They also occur as high temperature intrusions.
The photos above show anhedral olivine grains, partially altered around grain margins
and along fractures to platy, highly birefringent talc.
Tourmaline Group Na-Fe-Mg-Li Al borosilicates
Optical Properties:
Uniaxial -; parallel extinction; color varies from colorless to pale yellow, pink green,
blue, etc., depending on variety; color zoning is common; moderate birefringence,
typically second order colors.
The photos above, under crossed polarizers, show tourmaline with quartz inclusions and
surrounded by quartz (left picture), and zoned tourmaline crystals surrounded by
muscovite in the picture on the right.
Occurrence:
Large crystals are found in granite pegmatites. Other occurrences are in high
temperature veins, schists, and gneisses.
Tremolite-Actinolite Ca2(Mg,Fe)5(OH)2(Si4O11)2
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; colorless to pale green in plane polarized light; amphibole cleavage (2
directions at 56 degrees); interference colors up to middle second order; inclined
extinction; prismatic to fibrous form.
The photo above, under crossed polarizers, shows the moderate birefringence and
cleavage of tremolite. The pictures below (crossed polarizers on the left, plane polarized
light on the right) show a tremolite schist, composed almost entirely of tremolite.
Interlocking fibers of tremolite form the jade mineral, nephrite.
Occurrence:
Common in contact metamorphosed carbonate rocks; the Fe-rich member, actinolite,

occurs in metamorphosed mafic rocks.
Calcite CaCO3
Optical Properties:
Uniaxial -; extreme birefringence, high order colors; common polysynthetic twinning;
rhombohedral cleavage; symmetrical extinction; colorless in plane polarized light.
The photos above (left is plane polarized light, right under crossed polarizers) show the
high birefringence, twinning, and cleavage typical of calcite.
The photograph below (crossed polarizers) shows calcite replacing plagioclase.
Occurrence:
Principal constituent of limestones and marbles; common alteration of other minerals
and as a cement in sedimentary rocks.
Chalcedony SiO2
Optical Properties:
Chalcedony is very fine-grained quartz. It commonly occurs as radiating aggregates, as
shown in the crossed polarizers view above. First order gray interference color, as in
quartz; other optical properties generally are difficult to measure, because of the small
grain size.
Occurrence:
Chalcedony occurs as a cement in some clastic sedimentary rocks, as replacement of
calcite in come carbonates, and as vesicle fillings in some lavas.
Dolostone
Dolostone is a sedimentary rock consisting principally of dolomite. The photograph,
under crossed polarizers, shows the extreme birifringence and twinning characteristics
of dolomite. Dolomite is difficult to distinguish from calcite in thin section, without
special treatment.
Glauconite KMg(Fe,Al)(SiO3)6.3H2O
Optical Properties:
Biaxial -; 2V 16-30 degrees; green to yellow pleochroism; excellent single cleavage;
parallel extinction; often forms in pellets in sediments.
Occurrence:
Glauconite forms under reducing conditions in sediments and is commonly found in
nearshore sandstones.
Carbonatite
Carbonatites are igneous rocks consisting of more that 50% carbonate minerals, such as
calcite or dolomite. Subordinate minerals are biotite, olivine, clinopyroxene, etc.
The photograph is a cross-polarized view showing twinned, very highly birefringent
calcite grains in an almost pure calcite carbonatite.
Clinopyroxenite
Clinopyroxenite is over 90% clinopyroxene. These rocks form as segregates during
differentiation of mafic magma, and they are present in some ophiolites.
The picture above shows andhedral clinopyroxene grains, some with exsolution
lamellae of orthopyroxene, and sutured grain boundaries.
Name: Diorite
In the photographs above, large, twinned plagioclase crystals and hornblende grains in a
finer matrix provide porphyritic texture. Diorites contain less than 35% ferromagnesian
minerals; plagioclase composition is typically An30-50. Diorites are common in I-type
batholiths associated with subduction zones. They are the intrusive equivalents of
andesites.
Gabbro
The photographs above are crossed polarizer views of gabbros. The brightly colored
minerals are clinopyroxene, and the white to gray minerals are plagioclase. The black
minerals in both pictures are opaque grains of magnetite. Gabbros have more than 35%
ferromagnesian minerals, and plagioclase composition in greater than An50. Gabbro is
the intrusive equivalent of basalt.
The photographs below (crossed polarizers) shows a gabbro with brightly colored and
fractured olivine surrounded by plagioclase (left photo) and a gabbro with cumulate
texture, plagioclase poikilitically enclosed by clinopyroxene.
Granite
The photograph above is under crossed polarizers. The field of view is about 4 mm. The
mineral with numerous crossing twins is microcline. The clear (white), anhedral mineral
is quartz. The partially altered, smaller grains are plagioclase, and the bright mineral in
the upper right is biotite. This is a typical mineral assemblage in granites.
Occurrence:
Granites are abundant in continental shield areas and in deeply eroded folded mountain
belts.
Granodiorite
The field of view in the photo is 4 mm across. The highly twinned mineral is
plagioclase; the clear, untwinned, white to pale yellow mineral is quartz; orthoclase is
the grain in the upper left corner; there is a hornblende grain (with high relief) in the
upper right corner. The mineralogy of granodiorites is similar to that of granites, but
granites contain more alkali feldspar.
Occurrence:
Granodiorites are abundant in orogenic batholiths.
Granophyre
Granophyres are alkali feldspar and quartz rocks that may represent the most
differentiated portions of mafic intrusions. The granophyre in the photo above (field of
view 1.5 mm) shows altered sodic plagioclase and clear quartz, in some cases
intergrown to form myrmekite.
Occurrence:
Granophyres form small sills and dikes in highly differentiated, layered intrusions.
Keratophyre
Keratophyres are Na-rich extrusive rocks, containing pure sodic plagioclase with or
without quartz.
Occurrence:
Keratophyre dikes and sills are found in some ophiolites, and keratophyre lava flows are
present in some island arcs.
The photograph, under crossed polarizers, shows twinned albite plagioclase phenocrysts
and microlites, with tiny quartz grains, in a glassy matrix.
Lherzolite
Lherzolites contain over 60% olivine, and some clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene.
Lherzolite is a major constituent of the mantle and the source of most basaltic magmas.
The picture above (under crossed polarizers) shows olivine (right side of picture),
orthopyroxene (lower left) and clinopyroxene (upper left), with characteristic
allotriomorphic-granular texture.
Nepheline Syenite
This is a relatively rare rock, undersaturated in silica to the extent that nepheline forms
in place of some feldspars. These rocks occur in both stable cratonic areas and as minor
intrusions in orogenic provinces. The photograph above shows perthite (with typical
stringy intergrowths), and in the lower center, a gray, clear, subhedral nepheline crystal.
Quartz Monzonite
Quartz monzonite, like granite, consists of quartz, K-feldspar, and plagioclase, with
minor ferromagnesian minerals. It is a rather abundant rock type in many orogenic
areas. In the photo above are multiply twinned plagiocase, bright white perthite, and
clear quartz, with minor biotite.
Syenite
Syenite is an intrusive rock consisting principally of alkali feldspar, with little or no

quartz or feldspathoid, and typically only small amounts of ferromagnesian minerals.
The photo above shows a field of view about 4 mm across, under crossed polarizers.
Perthite is the only abundant mineral in the rock. The dark brown grains are biotite and
minor hornblende.
Tonalite
Tonalite mineralogy is similar to that of granodiorite, but with little or no K-feldspar.
The photos above (crossed polars on left, plane light on right) show a large grain of
zoned, altered plagioclase in the lower right (partially altered to sericite and epidote),
and large pleochroic crystals of biotite. The extinct (dark) areas in the upper left corner
and lower left corner of the photo on the left are quartz crystals at extinction.
Occurrence:
Tonalite is a major component of many I-type batholiths.
Websterite
Websterite is a member of the peridotite family, containing both orthopyroxene and
clinopyroxene, typically as anhedral grains. In the photo above, the brighly colored
grains are clinopyroxene, and the grains with first order color are orthopyroxene.
Andesite
Andesites consist of intermediate composition plagioclase (typically, An30-50), and less
than 35% of ferromagnesian minerals such as clinopyroxene, hornblende, or olivine.
Andesites are most abundant in subduction-related arc volcanoes.
The photographs above (crossed polarizers on left, plane polarized light on right) show
zoned and twinned plagioclase phenocrysts in a matrix of glass and plagioclase
microclites. Plagioclase microlites are subparallel, producing trachytic texture.
Basalt
Basalt is the most abundant volcanic rock; it underlies ocean floors and forms
voluminous outpourings (flood basalts) on several continents; it is also a major
constituent of island arcs. The principal mineral constituents of basalt are plagioclase
and pyroxene and/or olivine. Basalts are commonly porphyritic.
Both photographs above are under crossesd polarizers. On the left, gray and white
plagioclase and brightly colored , tiny clinopyroxene grains are in a matrix of dark
glass. On the right, plagioclase laths and more birefringent orthopyroxene are the
principal phenocrysts.
The photos below (crossed polarizers on the left, plane polarized light on the right)
show brightly colored, equant olivine and gray plagioclase phenocrysts in a fine-grained
matrix of glass and clinopyroxene.
Dacite
Dacite is a quartz-rich extrusive (volcanic) rock that contains abundant sodic
plagioclase. Dacite is a minor constituent of many arc volcanoes.
The photo above shows euhedral light gray plagioclase (the bottom crystal is beautifully
zoned) and rounded quartz phenocrysts, in a very fine-grained matrix of the same
minerals.
Rhyolite
Rhyolites are quartz-rich volcanic rocks with abundant alkali feldspar (typically
sanidine) and lesser plagioclase. Rhyolites are a volumetrically minor component of
some volcanic arcs and occur as vast ash flows in some areas affected by tensional
tectonics.
The light gray phenocrysts at the top of the photo above are sanidine; a quartz grain is
near the bottom edge of the photo. Flow banding is clearly visible in the glassy matrix.
Tuff
Tuffs are explosively erupted volcanic material that is consolidated and lithified after
deposition. Tuffs may contain lithic fragments, glass shards, and/or broken mineral
grains and have pyroclastic texture.
The photos above (crossed polarizers on left, plane polarized light on right) show lithic
crystal tuffs containing twinned, broken plagioclase clasts, and altered lithic clasts (right
side of photos), in a matrix of very fine-grained material.
Welded Tuff
Welded tuffs are formed during violent volcanic eruptions; gas-charged material is
expelled and deposited while still partially molten, so that the droplets become attached,
or "welded" to one another. Typically, the weight of overlying tuff flattens pumice
fragments and produces aligned grains and lithic fragments. Tuffaceous textures are
commonly best viewed in plane polarized light, particularly if the matrix is glassy, so
that grain outlines can be seen.
The photos above show welded tuffs with irregularly shaped, light gray glass shards and
mashed pumice clasts in a glassy matrix.
The pictures below show (on the left) a plane polarized light view of a highly welded
tuff with numerous glass shards and broken plagioclase grains, and on the right a
crossed polarizers view showing extinct glass matrix, lithic clasts, and broken
plagioclase grains.
Arkose Sandstone
Arkoses are feldspar-rich sandstones (<75% quartz, ratio of feldspar to rock fragments
greater than 3:1).
The photo above is under crossed polarizers. Abundant sodic plagioclase (multiple
twins, partially altered to clays) and microcline (basketweave twins) are in a grainsupported matrix.
Chert
Chert is composed of very fine-grained quartz and can form in a number of ways:
replacement of limestone, recrystallization of siliceous fossil remains, in hydrothermal
veins, etc.
The photo (under crossed polarizers, field of view 0.3 mm) shows the fine-grained
nature of chert in two adjacent clastes in a conglomerate.
Conglomerate
Conglomerates are sedimentary rocks composed of more than 50% particles that are
larger than 2 mm.
The photos above are under crossed polarizers and with a field of view of 6.5 mm. On
the left a polycrystalline quartz grain (center and right of photo) and a chert grain (left
edge of photo) are in a matrix of sparry calcite cement. On the right, a large chert grain
(right edge of photo) and a sandstone grain (lower left) are in a matrix of opaque
hematite.
Litharenite
Litharenites are sandstones that contain less than 75% quartz and in which the ratio of
unstable rock fragments to feldspars is greater than 3:1.
The photos above (crossed polarizers on the left, plane polarized light on the right)
show a rock consisting almost entirely of subrounded andesite grains, with minor
chalcedony cement. The photo below, under crossed polarizers, shows dark basalt clasts,
olivine and plagioclase mineral fragments in a matrix of chlorite and calcite.
Limestone
Limestones are sedimentary rocks composed primarily of calcium carbonate.
The photos on this page are all under crossed polarizers. The two pictures above show
fossiliferous limestones (biosparudites) with abundant fragments of calcite fossil shells.
On the left below is a recrystallized limestone consisting entirely of sparry calcite, and
on the right is an oolitic limestone with small ooliths showing concentric growth, and
minor replacement of calcite by chert.
Quartarenite
Quartzarenites are pure quartz sandstones (>95% quartz), often representing reworked
sedimentary deposits. The photo, under crossed polarizers, shows subrounded quartz
grains cemented by quartz in optical continuity with the grains. Quartz overgrowths
around individual grains are identifiable because of a thin veneer of hematite "dust"
around some original grain boundaries.
Shale
Shales and mudstones are the most abundant sedimentary rock types. They consist
principally of very fine-grained clays and other minerals.
The photo, under crossed polarizers, has a field of view of 0.3 mm. The white grains are
quartz, and the dark matrix is a mixture of various clay minerals.
Amphibolite
Amphibolites are metamorphosed mafic rocks and consists principally of plagioclase
and hornblende and/or clinopyroxene.
The photographs above (crossed polarized view on the left, plane polarized light on the
right) show plagioclase (white, light gray), hornblende (strongly colored in right-hand
photo), and moderately birefringent clinopyroxene. Note that in metamorphic rocks,
plagioclase is typically xenoblastic (anhedral) and unzoned.
Eclogite
Eclogite is a metamorphic rock (of basaltic composition) consisting principally of
pyrope garnet and omphacitic pyroxene.
The photos (plane polarized light on right, crossed polarizers on left) show isotropic,
high relief garnet (black in the left picture) and aligned omphacite.
Hornfels
Hornfels is the name given to fine-grained, non-foliated rocks formed by thermal
(contact) metamorphism.
The two pictures above (both under crossed polarizers) show the typical random
orientations and fine grain size of hornfels. The rock on the left falls within the
hornblende hornfels facies, with hornblende and plagioclase; the rock on the right is in
the pyroxene hornfels facies and contains plagioclase, cordierite (a few of the first order
yellow grains), and biotite.
Marble
Marbles are metamorphosed limestone or dolostone. The photo (crossed polarizers)
shows strongly twinned and highly cleaved calcite.
Phyllite
Phyllites are fine-grained metamorphic rocks with well developed foliation, or
alignment of platy or elongate grains. Phyllites typically consist of micas, quartz, and
sodic plagioclase, formed during recrystallization of shales during regional
dynamothermal metamorphism.
The photo (crossed polarizers) shows strongly aligned, brightly colored muscovite,
darker biotite, and light gray quartz and feldspars.
Quartzite
Quartzite is metamorphosed quartz-rich sandstones. The photo shows a quartzite under
crossed polarizers. All of the grains are quartz; black spaces are holes in the thin section.
Note that all grains are xenoblastic (anhedral), typical of quartz in metamorphic rocks.
Schist
Schists are coarse-grained metamorphic rocks with strong foliation or parallelism of
minerals of platy or prismatic habit, such as the micas or amphiboles, developed by
tectonic pressures.
The photos above (under crossed polarizers) are of garnet schists; on the left, extinct
garnet is surrounded by strongly aligned muscovite and biotite; on the right, extinct
garnet is surrounded by white mica and glaucophane.
More Schists
Ophitic, Subophitic, and Intergranular Texture

Both photographs above are with crossed polarizers. On the left, optically continuous
clinopyroxene poikilitically encloses plagioclase grains to produce ophitic texture. On
the right, the groundmass of a basalt shows clinopyroxene and plagioclase crystals of
about equal size, or subophitic texture. The photo below shows a basalt with
intergranular texture (in plane polarized light), with tiny, equant clinopyroxene grains
interstitial to plagioclase laths.
Intersertal Texture
The photo above shows plagiclase microclites in an interstitial glassy matrix, in plane
polarized light. Black grains are magnetite.
Trachytic Texture
The photos above illustrate trachytic texture: subparallel alignment of plagioclase
microlites in volcanic rocks, produced by flow.
Spinifex Texture
The photo (plane polarized light) shows clinopyroxene (titanaugite) crystals in radiating
needle-like form, surrounded by a fine-grained matrix, producing spinifex texture in a
rapidly cooled basalt.
Aegirine
Next Mineral
1. ppl aegirine north-south x10
2. ppl aegirine east-west x10
3. xpl birefringence x10

group
system
formula
optic sign
2V
relief
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence
cleavage
degrees
elongation
extinction
extinction angle
alteration
(uralitization) or chlorite
habit
fibrous (finitization)
occurence
(schist), sedimentary (carbonate)
inosilicate
monoclinic
NaFe3+Si2O6
biaxial neg
60 - 70 degrees
high pos
1.750 / 1.836
brown, yellow, green
yes, green, yellow, brown
0.040 - 0.060
yes, {110} prismatic at about 85
yes
yes,inclined, symmetrical
0 - 20 degrees
fine-grained amphibole
prismatic (stubby to elongate),
igneous (alkalic), metamorphic
Albite
Next Mineral
1. xpl anorthitic; unzoned x10
2. xpl anorthitic; unzoned x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
tectosilicate
triclinic
NaAlSi3O8-Ca Al2Si2O8
biaxial pos / neg
45 - 102
low pos / neg
1.527 / 1.590
colorless
no
0.007 - 0.013
yes {
no
extinction
inclined
angle
***
alteration
sericite (fine-grained white
mica), clay, or zeolite
habit.1
tabular, columnar
occurence
igneous (granitic, felsic),
hydrothermal (pegmatites), metamorphic (low grade)
TwoV
1 2 3
relief
1 4
pleochroism.2
birefringence
1 3 4 5 6 7
cleavage.2
{001} perfect, {010} good,
{110} poor
Almandine
Next Mineral
ppl surrounded by quartz 10*
xpl qtz and plagioclase 10*
ppl inclusions and rimming 10*
xpl off of 1 edge of garnet 10*

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
garnet
isometric
Fe3Al2(SiO4)3
isotropic
0
high pos
1.770 / 1.820
colorless
no
no
no
no
extinction
no
angle
no
alteration
chlorite, hornblend, epidote,
and iron oxides
habit.1
euhedral (hexagonal,
octagonal)
occurence
igneous (volcanic, felsic),
metamorphic (medium to high grade, pelite, mafic)
TwoV
relief
3
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Andalusite
Next Mineral
ppl porphyroblasts 5*
xpl low birefringence 5*
ppl within minor crenulations 10*
xpl illmenite crenulated 10*

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
aluminosilicate
orthorhombic
Al2SiO5
biaxial neg
71 - 88
mod to high pos
1.629 /1.650
colorless, pink, green
yes
0.009 - 0.013
yes
yes
extinction
parallel, symmetrical
angle
0
alteration
sericite, chlorite,
sillimanite, kyanite
habit.1
prismatic, tabular, fibrous,
anhedral
occurence
metamorphic (low to medium
grade, contact, regional), hydrothermal (pegmatites)
TwoV
2
relief
2 3
pleochroism.2
pink, green, yellow
birefringence
1 3 4 5 6
cleavage.2
{110} two good at right angles
Anorthite
Next Mineral
ppl coarse-grained laths 10*
xpl w/ CPX and OPX 10*

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
zeolite
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (carbonate), sedimentary
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
intersect at 94
feldspar
triclinic
NaAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8
biaxial pos / neg
75 - 102
low pos / neg
1.527 / 1.590
colorless
no
0.007 - 0.013
yes
no
inclined
***
sericite, clay minerals,
tabular, columnar
igneous (mafic, ultramafic),
2 3
1 4
1 3 4 5 6 7
{001} perfect, {010} good
Anorthoclase
Next Mineral
1. ppl anorthoclase x5
2. xpl anorthoclase x5
3. ppl anorthoclase x5
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Apatite
Next Mineral
tectosilicate
triclinic
(K,Na)AlSi3O8
biaxial neg
0 - 55
low neg
1.519 / 1.536
colorless
no
0.005 - 0.008
yes
no
inclined
***
***
tabular, columnar
igneous (felsic)
1 2
4
1 2 3
***
1. ppl basal sections x10
2. xpl basal sections x10
3. ppl long sections x10
4. xpl maximum birefringence x10
5. xpl parallel extinction x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
poor prismatic cleav. {1010}
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
phosphate
hexagonal
Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl)
uniaxial neg
0
moderate to high pos
1.633 / 1.665
colorless
no
0.001 - 0.007
yes basal cleavage {0001}, v.
yes
parallel
0
not readily altered
equant, prismatic, columnar
igneous (accessory)
2 3
1 2 3
cleavage.2
very poor
{0001} basal, poor, {1010}
Augite
Next Mineral
ppl 5*
xpl 5*
ppl can see angle of extinction/inclined extinction = CPX 5*
xpl extinction position 5*
ppl plagioclase matrix 5*
xpl 5*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pyroxene
monoclinic
(Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)2(Si,Al)2O6
biaxial pos
25 - 70
high pos
1.664 / 1.771
colorless, green, violet
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
biotite, carbonates
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
cleavage at 87
no
0.018 -0.034
yes
no
inclined
35 - 50
uralite, serpentine, chlorite,
igneous (mafic)
1 2
3
5 8 9 10 11 12
{110} typical pyroxene
Biotite
Next Mineral
ppl coarse-grained porphyrblasts 5*
xpl discordant plagioclase 5*
1. ppl w/chlorite alteration x5
2. xpl w/chlorite alteration x5
3. ppl min. pleoch. haloes N-S x5
4. ppl max. pleoch. haloes E-W x5
5. xpl birefringence E-W x5
6. xpl birefringence N-S x5
8. xpl extinct
group
mica
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
and clay minerals
habit.1
occurence
high grade), igneous
TwoV
relief
monoclinic
K2(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(OH,O,F)2
biaxial neg
0 - 25
1.522 / 1.696
brown, green, orange
yes
0.030 - 0.070
yes {{ easily seen
yes yesalong cleavage
parallel, nearly parallel
0 - 9
commonly alters to chlorite
columnar, tabular, platy
metamorphic (contact, low to
1
2 3
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
fragment orientation
tan, green, brown

9 12 13
{001} perfect, controls
Calcite
Next Mineral
ppl rhombohedral sections 5*
xpl characteristic cleavage 5*
1. ppl secondary calcite x10
2. xpl secondary calcite x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
or manganese oxides
habit.1
occurence
(carbonate)
TwoV
carbonate
hexagonal (triagonal)
CaCO3
uniaxial pos
0
mod neg to high pos
1.486 / 1.658
colorless
no
0.172
yes {1
no
inclined, symmetrical
***
dolomite, quartz, opal, iron
granular, euhedral
igneous (mafic), metamorphic
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
5 1 2 3
9 13
{1011} perfect rhombohedral
Chlorite
Next Mineral
ppl biotite/musc/chlorite abundant illmenite

parallel to foliation with muscovite 10*
"xpl ""and biotite parallel
ppl good cleavage 5*
xpl strong interference colors 5*
ppl 5*
xpl 5*
1. ppl chlorite N-S x10
2. ppl chlorite E-W x10
3. xpl extinction position x10
4. xpl purple birefringence x10
5. ppl chlorite x10
6. xpl anomolous birefringence x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
controls fragment orientation
elongation
extinction
angle
chlorite
monoclinic
(Mg,Fe)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
biaxial neg / pos
0 - 60
1.550 / 1.690
green, colorless, blue
yes
0.000 - 0.015
yes { cleavage on {001}
no
inclined
0 - 9 (cleavage)
alteration
alteration, oxidation, clay
fairly resistant to
habit.1
columnar, tabular, platy
occurence
grade), igneous (hydrothermal), sedimentary
TwoV
1 2
relief
2 3
pleochroism.2
green
birefringence
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
cleavage.2
Chloritoid
Next Mineral
ppl 5*
xpl 5*
ppl min. pleochroism N-S 5*
ppl max. pleochroism E-W 5*
xpl max. birefringence 10*
xpl 10*
ppl 10*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
grade, regional), hydrothermal
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
imperfect
orthosilicate
monoclinic
see properties
biaxial pos
36 - 72
high pos
1.705 / 1.740
green
yes
0.005 - 0.022
yes
yes
inclined
10 - 25
chlorite, sericite
lathlike, tabular
1 2
3
green, blue, yellow
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
{001} perfect, {110} two
Cordierite
Next Mineral
xpl 10*
group
tectosilicate
system
orthorhombic
formula
Mg2Al3(AlSi5)O18
optic
biaxial pos / neg
Too-Vee
40 - 90
relief.1
low neg / pos
min. index
1.521 / 1.578
color
colorless, blue
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.005 - 0.016
cleavage
yes
elongation
no
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
pinite (chlorite, muscovite)
habit.1
anhedral, granular
occurence
igneous (granitic),
metamorphic (medium to high grade, contact, regional, pelite)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
blue, violet, yellow
birefringence
cleavage.2
{010} fair, {100} and {001}
poor
Epidote
Next Mineral
1. ppl epidote x20
2. xpl epidote x20
ppl two cleavages 20*
xpl zoned diopside 20*
ppl filling of vessicles 5*
xpl anomolous inter. colors 5*
ppl porphyroblastic augen 5*
xpl pressure shadows 5*
xpl 5*
group
epidote
system
monoclinic
formula
CA2Fe3+Al2O(Si2O7)(SiO4)(OH))
optic
biaxial neg
Too-Vee
64 - 90
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.715 / 1.797
color
colorless, green, yellow
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.012 - 0.049
cleavage
yes {
elongation
yes
extinction
inclined
angle
25 - 40
alteration
not readily altered (detrital
grains in clastic sediments)
habit.1
tabular, granular, columnar
occurence
igneous (accessory),
hydrothermal, metamorphic (medium grade)
TwoV
2
relief
3
pleochroism.2
yellow, green
birefringence
cleavage.2
poor
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
{001} perfect basal, {100}
Fayalite
Next Mineral
1. ppl fayalite x10
2. xpl fayalite x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
(carbonate)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
thin section )
olivine
orthorhombic
(Fa,Fe2SiO4)
biaxial neg
46 - 98
high pos
1.636 / 1.879
colorless, yellow
yes
0.033 - 0.052
no (
no
parallel
***
iddingsite, chlorophaeite
equant, granular
igneous (mafic), metamorphic
2 3
3
yellow, orange, brown
9 12 13
( {010}, {110} not seen in
Glaucophane
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
riebeckite
monoclinic
Na2Mg3Al2Si8O22(OH)2
biaxial neg
10 - 45
mod to mod high pos
1.606 / 1.717
blue
yes
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
regional)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
and 125
0.010 - 0.020
yes
yes lent
symmetrical, inclined
0 - 21
amphibole
prismatic, columnar
metamorphic (medium grade,
1 2
2 3
blue, green, violet
1 4 5 6 7 8
{110} amphibole cleavge at 55
Grossular
Next Mineral
ppl 20*
xpl 20*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
and iron oxides
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
garnet
isometric
Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
uniaxial / biaxial
0 - 90
high pos
1.735 / 1.770
colorless
no
anomalous
no
no
***
***
chlorite, hornblende, epidote,
equant , euhedral
metamorphic (carbonate,skarn)
1 2
3
Hedenbergite
Next Mineral
group
pyroxene
system
monoclinic
formula
CaFeSi2O6
optic
biaxial pos
Too-Vee
25 - 70
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.664 / 1.771
color
colorless, gray, brown
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.018 - 0.034
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
inclined, symmetrical
angle
35 - 48
alteration
uralite (amphibole),
serpentine, chlorite, biotite
habit.1
prismatic, bladed, acicular
occurence
igneous(granitic, volcanic,
mafic),metamorphic(medium to high grade, skarn)
TwoV
1 2
relief
3
pleochroism.2
green, blue, brown
birefringence
5 7 8 9 10 11 12
cleavage.2
{110} pyroxene cleavage at 87
Hornblende
Next Mineral
1. ppl w/cleavage and opacite x5
2. xpl hornblende x5
3. xpl hornblende x5
4. ppl hornblende x10
5. ppl elongation east-west x5
6. ppl elongation north-south x5
8. xpl inclined extinction x5
9. ppl pleochroism x5
10. xpl pleochreoism x5
11. xpl birefringence x5
12. ppl alkali north-south x5
13. ppl alkali east-west x5
14. xpl alkali max. birefring. x5

group
amphibole
system
monoclinic
formula
Ca,Mg,Fe,Al silicate
optic
biaxial neg / pos
Too-Vee
35 -130
relief.1
min. index
1.600 / 1.730
color
brown, red, yellow
pleochroism
yes yellow-green, brown
birefringence.1
0.014 - 0.034
cleavage
yes amphibole cleavages {110}
intersect at 56 and 124
elongation
yes
extinction
symmetrical, parallel
angle
10 - 35
alteration
biotite, chlorite, or other
Fe-Mg silicates
habit.1
equant, columnar, prismatic
occurence
igneous (intermediate),
metamorphic (medium to high grade, carbonate)
TwoV
1 2 3
relief
2 3
pleochroism.2
green, yellow, brown
birefringence
5 8 9 10 11 12
cleavage.2
{110} intersects at 56 and
124
Hypersthene
Next Mineral
" ""porphyroblast
ppl matrix 5*
xpl 5*
ppl 5*
xpl 5*
ppl 10*
1. ppl hypersthene east-west x5
2. ppl hypersthene north-south x5
4. xpl extinction x5
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
grained amphibole
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (high grade)
pyroxene
orthorhombic
(Mg,Fe)2Si2O6
biaxial neg
50 - 132
1.649 / 1.788
green, pink, brown
yes
0.007 - 0.020
yes
yes
0
serpentine, talc, or fine-
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
88
1 2 3
2 3
pink, yellow, brown
1 3 4 5 6
7 8
{210} prism faces intersect at
prismatic, columnar, tabular

igneous (ultramafic, mafic),
Jadeite
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
pyroxene
monoclinic
NaAlSi2O6
biaxial pos / neg
60 - 96
mod to high pos
1.640 / 1.692
colorless
yes
0.006 - 0.021
yes
yes
parallel, inclined, symmetric
32 - 55
amphibole, analcime, nepheline
habit.1
tabular
occurence
regional)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
87
columnar, fibrous, prismatic,

2 3
2 3
green, yellow
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
{110} pyroxene cleavage at
Kaersutite
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
greenish
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
Ti oxides, chlorite
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
amphibole
monoclinic
see properties
biaxial neg
66 - 84
high pos
1.670
brown, yellow, reddish,
yeslowish, reddish, brownish
0.044
yes
**
***
***
amphiboles, titanaugite, Fecolumnar, tabular
igneous (alkalic, volcanic)
***
***
Kyanite
Next Mineral
ppl 10*
xpl 10*
group
system
aluminosilicate
triclinic
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
andalusite, sillimanite
habit.1
occurence
gneiss) , hydrothermal (pegmatite),
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Al2SiO5
biaxial neg
78 - 84
high pos
1.710 / 1.734
colorless, blue
yes
0.012 - 0.016
yes
yes
inclined
0 - 30
sericite, chlorite,
bladed, columnar
metamorphic (pelite, schist,
2
3
violet, blue
5 6 7
Leucite
Next Mineral
1. ppl leucite x5
2. xpl leucite x5
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
nepheline and K-spar)
habit.1
occurence
feldspathoid
tetragonal
KAlSi2O6
uniaxial pos
0
low neg
1.508 / 1.511
colorless
no
0.001
no
no
incomplete
0
pseudoleucite (mixture of
equant, pseudoisometric
igneous (mafic and alkalic)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
section)
4
1 2
( {110} not seen in thin
Magnetite
Next Mineral
1. ppl magnetite x20
2. ppl symplecite x10
3. xpl symplecite x10

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
lamellae of illmenite
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (skarn), sedimentary
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
visible)
spinel
isometric
FeFe2O4
opaque
0
***
***
opaque
no
no
no
no
no
0
hematite, limonite, goethite,
equant, anhedral, granular
( {111} parting but not
Microcline
Next Mineral
1. ppl microcline x5
2. xpl microcline x5

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (high grade)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
feldspar
triclinic
(K,Na)AlSi3O8
biaxial neg
65 - 88
low neg
1.514 / 1.533
colorless
no
0.005 - 0.008
yes
no
inclined
5 - 15
sericite, clay
equant, tabular
igneous (felsic, plutonic),
2
4
1 2 3
{001} perfect, {010) good
Muscovite
Next Mineral
1. ppl relief and cleavage x10
2. xpl relief; cleavage; max bir x10
3. xpl parallel extinction x10
ppl 10*
xpl 10*
ppl 10*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
mica
monoclinic
KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
biaxial neg
30 - 47
moderate pos
1.552 / 1.623
colorless, pink, green
no
0.036 - 0.049
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0 - 3
alteration
not readily altered, clay
minerals (sericite)
habit.1
columnar, tabular
occurence
igneous (felsic), metamorphic
(low to meduim grade, regional, pelite), hydrothermal
TwoV
1
relief
2
pleochroism.2
birefringence
9 13
cleavage.2
Nepheline
Next Mineral
1. ppl nepheline x5
2. xpl nepheline x5
3. xpl nepheline x5
4. ppl plutonic nepheline x5
5. xpl plutonic nepheline 5

group
system
formula
feldspathoid
hexagonal
Na3K(Al4Si4O16)
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
sodalite, calcite, cancrinite
habit.1
occurence
(metasoma- tism)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
seen
uniaxial neg
0
low neg / pos
1.529 / 1.544
colorless
no
0.003 - 0.005
no
no
parallel
0
clay minerals, analcime,
equant, columnar, prismatic
igneous (alkalic), metamorphic
1 4
1 2
{1010), {0001}, not usually
Nosean
Next Mineral
1. ppl w/exsolved sulfides x10
2. xpl w/exsolved sulfides x10
3. ppl w/FeS2 inclusions x5
4. ppl nosean x5
5. xpl nosean x5
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
calcite, cancrinite
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
sodalite
isometric
Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2
isotropic
0
moderate neg
1.470 / 1.495
colorless, gray, blue
no
no
yes
no
no
0
zeolites (fibrous), clay,
equant (six-sided), anhedral
igneous (volcanic,alkalic)
5
{110} dodecahedral
Olivine
Next Mineral
xpl 10*
ppl 20*
xpl 20*
ppl 20*
xpl 20*
ppl 5*
1. xpl 3rd order birefringence x5
2. ppl ideal crystal shape x5
4. xpl extinction x5
7. ppl olivine in pyroxence x5
8. xpl olivine in pyroxence x5

group
olivine
system
orthorhombic
formula
(Fe,Mg)2SiO4
optic
biaxial neg / pos
Too-Vee
46 - 98
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.636 / 1.879
color
colorless, yellow
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.033 - 0.052
cleavage
no
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
iddingsite, chlorophaeite
habit.1
subequant, anhedral
(aggregates), euhedral
occurence
igneous (granitic, volcanic,
mafic, ultramafic) metamorphic (skarn), sedimentary
TwoV
1 2
relief
3
pleochroism.2
yellow, orange
birefringence
9 12 13
cleavage.2
( {010}, {110} not seen in
thin section)
Orthoclase
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
(contact, regional)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
intersect at 90
feldspar
monoclinic
(K,Na)AlSi3O8
biaxial neg
40 - 70
low neg
1.514 / 1.533
colorless (cloudy)
no
0.005 -0.008
yes
no
inclined, parallel
0 - 13
clay minerals, sericite
equant, tabular
igneous (felsic), metamorphic
Paragonite
Next Mineral
xpl 10*
ppl 10*
group
mica
system
monoclinic
formula
NaAl2(AlSI3O10)(OH,F)2
optic
biaxial neg
Too-Vee
30 - 47
relief.1
mod pos
min. index
1.552 / 1.623
color
colorless
pleochroism
no
birefringence.1
0.036 - 0.049
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
not readily altered, clay
minerals
habit.1
tabular
occurence
igneous (granitic, volcanic),
metamorphic (low to high grade), sedimentary (clastic)
TwoV
1 2
relief
2
pleochroism.2
birefringence
9 13
cleavage.2
{001} perfect
Phlogopite
Next Mineral
1. ppl phlogopite E-W x5
2. ppl phlogopite N-S x5
4. xpl extinction position x5
5. ppl phlogopite E-W x5
6. ppl phlogopite N-S x5
8. xpl phlogopite extinction x5
group
mica
system
monoclinic
formula
K(Mg,Fe)3(AlSI3O10)(OH,F)2
optic
biaxial neg
Too-Vee
0 - 15
relief.1
mod pos
min. index
1.530 / 1.640
color
colorless
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.030 - 0.050
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel, inclined
angle
0 - 9
alteration
chlorite, clay minerals,
sericite, Fe-Ti oxides
habit.1
tabular
occurence
igneous (granitic, alkalic,
felsic), metamorphic (contact, carbonate)
TwoV
1
relief
2
pleochroism.2
brown
birefringence
9 11 12 13
cleavage.2
{001} perfect
Pigeonite
Next Mineral
1. ppl inverted pigeonite x5
2. xpl inverted pigeonite x5

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
grained amphibole)
pyroxene
monoclinic
(Mg,Fe2+,Ca)2Si2O6
biaxial pos
0 - 32
high pos
1.682 / 1.757
colorless, yellow, green
yes
0.023 - 0.029
yes
no
parallel, inclined
0 - 44
uralized (altered to fine-
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
87
prismatic, columnar, tabular

igneous (intermediate, mafic),
1
3
green, brown, yellow
9 10 11
{110} two good cleavages at
Plagioclase
Next Mineral
1. ppl albite twinning; zoned x5
2. xpl albite twinning; zoned x5
3. xpl albite twinning; zoned x5
4. xpl pericline & albite twins x5
5. ppl plutonic plagioclase x5
6. xpl plutonic plagioclase x5
7. ppl plutonic plagioclase x5
8. xpl plutonic plagioclase x5
9. ppl microlites & devitrific. x10
xpl 20*
ppl 5*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
lite, prehnite, calcite
habit.1
occurence
sedimentary
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
feldspar
tetragonal
NaAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8
biaxial neg / pos
45 - 102
low neg / pos
1.527 / 1.590
colorless
no
0.007 - 0.013
yes
no
inclined
***
sericite, saussurite, scapotabular (euhedral, anhedral)
igneous, metamorphic,
1 2
1 4
birefringence
cleavage.2
intersect 94
1 3 4 5 6 7
Prehnite
Next Mineral
group
phyllosilicate
system
orthorhombic
formula
Ca2Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
optic
biaxial pos
Too-Vee
64 - 70
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.610 / 1.670
color
colorless
pleochroism
no
birefringence.1
0.020 - 0.035
cleavage
yes
elongation
no
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
chlorite, zeolite
habit.1
tabular, fibrous, acicular
occurence
igneous (volcanic),
metamorphic (low grade, contact, carbonate)
TwoV
2
relief
3
pleochroism.2
birefringence
5 8 9 10 11 12 13
cleavage.2
{001} good, {110} poor
Pyrope
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
and iron oxides
habit.1
occurence
kimberlite), metamorphic (high grade)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
garnet
isometric
Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
isotropic
no
high pos
1.720 / 1.770
colorless
no
no
no
no
no
no
chlorite, hornblend, epidote,
euhedral
ignoeus (ultramafic,
3
Quartz
Next Mineral
1. xpl quartz x5
2. ppl quartz x5
3. ppl granitic quartz x5
4. xpl granitic quartz x5

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
and {1010}
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
sedimentary, hydrothermal
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
silica
triagonal
SiO2
uniaxial pos
0
low pos
1.544 / 1.553
colorless
no
0.009
no seen, poor cleavage {1011}
yes
undulatory
0
not readily altered
equant, granular, prismatic
igneous, metamorphic,
1
1 3 4
(not seen in thin section)
Rutile
Next Mineral
xpl 5*
ppl 10*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (accessory)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Sanidine
Next Mineral
oxide
tetragonal
TiO2
uniaxial neg
0
high pos
2.61 / 2.90
red, brown, opaque
no
0.009 - 0.010
yes
yes
parallel
0
rarely titanite, leucoxene
acicular, bladed, prismatic
3
1 4
{110} prismatic, {100} fair
1. ppl sanidine in tachyte x5
2. xpl sanidine in trachyte x5

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (high grade), sediment
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
intersect 90 deg
feldspar
monclinic
(K,Na)AlSi3O8
biaxial neg
0 - 47
low neg
1.514 / 1.533
colorless
no
0.005 - 0.008
yes
no
inclined
5 - 15
sericite, clay
columnar, tabular
igneous (felsic, volcanic),
1
4
1 2 3
Scapolite
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
epidote, zeolites
habit.1
granular
tectosilicate
tetragonal
see field properties
uniaxial neg
0
low to mod pos
1.532 / 1.571
colorless
no
0.004 - 0.038
yes
yes
parallel
0
sericite, calcite, chlorite,
prismatic, acicular, columnar,
occurence
regional, skarn)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
intersect at 45
metamorphic (contact,
1 2
1 2 3 4 58 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
{100} good, {110} fair,
Serpentine
Next Mineral
1. ppl serpentine alteration x5
2. xpl serpentine alteration x5

group
phyllosilicate
system
monoclinic
formula
Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
optic
biaxial neg
Too-Vee
5 - 60 variable
relief.1
low to mod low pos / neg
min. index
1.529 / 1.604
color
colorless, green
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.001 - 0.010
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
chlorite, quartz, brown and
yellow staining (from Mg)
habit.1
fibrous, tabular
occurence
carbonate), sedimentary, hydrothermal (mafic, ultramafic)
TwoV
1 2
relief
1 4
pleochroism.2
yellow, green
birefringence
1 2 3 4
cleavage.2
{001} perfect
Sillimanite
Next Mineral
xpl 20*
ppl 20*
group
aluminosilicate
system
orthorhombic
formula
Al2SiO5
optic
biaxial pos
Too-Vee
20 - 30
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.653 / 1.683
color
colorless, brown
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.018 - 0.022
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
sericite
habit.1
fibrous, prismatic
occurence
metamorphic (medium to high grade), hydrothermal
TwoV
1
relief
3
pleochroism.2
yellow, brown, blue
birefringence
5 8
cleavage.2
{010} good parallel
Sphene
Next Mineral
1. ppl charac. loqenge shape x10
2. xpl charac. loqenge shape x10
xpl 20*
ppl 20*
group
orthosilicates
system
monclinic
formula
CaTiOSiO4
optic
biaxial pos
Too-Vee
17 - 40
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.843 / 2.110
color
brown, colorless, yellow
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.100 - 0.192
cleavage
yes
elongation
no
extinction
inclined, symetrical
angle
36 - 51
alteration
Ti-oxides, quartz, leucoxene
habit.1
euhedral, subhedral, diamondshaped
occurence
igneous (granitic, mafic),
metamorphic (medium to high grade, skarn), sedimentary (clastic)
TwoV
1
relief
3
pleochroism.2
orange, brown, green
birefringence
9 13
cleavage.2
(110) prismatic
Staurolite
Next Mineral
xpl 20*
ppl 20*
group
orthosilicate
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
garnet, and cordierite
habit.1
occurence
pelite), sedimentary (clastic)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Talc
Next Mineral
xpl 20*
ppl 20*
xpl 20*
ppl 10*
monoclinic
Fe2Al9O6(SiO4)4(OH)2
biaxial pos
80 - 90
high pos
1.736 / 1.762
yellow, brown
yes
0.009 - 0.015
no
yes
0
sericite, andalusite, kyanite,
prismatic, tabular, columnar
2
3
yellow, brown, red
1 4 5 6 7
{010} not seen in thin section
xpl 10*
ppl 20*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
hydrothermal
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
phyllosilicate
triclinic
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
biaxial neg
0 - 30
low to mod pos
1.538 / 1.602
colorless
no
0.030 - 0.050
yes
yes
parallel
0
chlorite
fibrous, tabular, acicular
metamorphic (carbonate),
1
1 2
9 11 12 13
{001} perfect
Uvarovite
Next Mineral
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
and iron oxides
habit.1
occurence
TwoV
garnet
isometric
Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3
uniaxial - biaxial
0 - 90
high pos
1.838 / 1.870
colorless
no
anomalous
no
no
***
***
chlorite, hornblende, epidote,
euhedral
igneous (peridotite)
1 2
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
Vesuvianite
Next Mineral
xpl 20*
ppl 10*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
sorosilicate
tetragonal
see properties
uniaxial neg
0
high pos
1.702 / 1.795
colorless, brown, yellow
yes
0.001 - 0.020
yes
yes
parallel
0
not readily altered
habit.1
prismatic, acicular, anhedral
occurence
carbonate), hydrothermal (mafic, ultramafic)
TwoV
relief
3
pleochroism.2
yellow
birefringence
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
cleavage.2
{110}, {100}, {001} poor,
seldom seen
Wollastonite
Next Mineral
xpl 10*
ppl porphyroblast with wollastonite near dodecahedral

shape vesuvianite (higher 10*
group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
apophyllite
habit.1
occurence
carbonate)
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
{102} good
inosilicate
triclinic
CaSiO3
biaxial neg
36 - 60
mod to high pos
1.616 / 1.656
colorless
no
0.013 - 0.017
yes
yes
inclined, nearly parallel
5 - 10
pectolite, calcite,
fibrous, columnar, acicular
metamorphic (high grade,
1 2
2 3
5 6 7
Zircon
Next Mineral
1. ppl zircon x20
2. xpl zircon x20
3. ppl w/biotite x20

group
system
formula
optic
Too-Vee
relief.1
min. index
color
pleochroism
birefringence.1
cleavage
elongation
extinction
angle
alteration
habit.1
occurence
metamorphic (accessory),
TwoV
relief
pleochroism.2
birefringence
cleavage.2
orthosilicates
tetragonal
ZrSiO4
uniaxial pos
0
high pos
1.920 / 2.015
colorless, brown
yes
0.036 - 0.065
no
yes
parallel
0
not readily altered
igneous (accessory, mafic),
sedimentary (clastic, detrital)
3
brown
9 13
Zoisite
Next Mineral
group
epidote
system
orthorhombic
formula
Ca2Al3O(Si2O7)(SiO4)(OH)
optic
biaxial pos
Too-Vee
0 - 60
relief.1
high pos
min. index
1.685 / 1.725
color
colorless
pleochroism
yes
birefringence.1
0.005 - 0.020
cleavage
yes
elongation
yes
extinction
parallel
angle
0
alteration
not commonly altered
habit.1
columnar, prismatic, bladed,
acicular, anhedral, granular
occurence
igneous (accessory,
ultramafic), metamorphic (medium grade, carbonate)
TwoV
1 2
relief
3
pleochroism.2
pink, yellow
birefringence
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
cleavage.2
{100} perfect, {001} poor

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Minerales

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Biotite K2(Mg,Fe)2(OH)2(AlSi3O10)

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

intergrown with plagioclase to form perthite. At higher temperature, orthoclase forms

Orthopyroxene occurs with clinopyroxene in many igneous rocks, such as gabbro,

Oxyhornblende (Lamprobolite, Basaltic Hornblende)

Perthite KAlSi3O8 and Plagioclase (Na-Ca Al Silicate)

Plagioclase NaAlSi3O8 to CaAl2Si2O8

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Sphene (Titanite) CaTiSiO5

Chlorite Mg,Al silicate family of micaceous minerals

Biaxial + or -; 2V 56 to 89 degrees; colorless (clinozoisite) to yellowish green (epidote)

Garnet Mg,Fe,Mn,Ca,Cr silicates

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Tourmaline Group Na-Fe-Mg-Li Al borosilicates

Common in contact metamorphosed carbonate rocks; the Fe-rich member, actinolite,

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Syenite is an intrusive rock consisting principally of alkali feldspar, with little or no

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Petrography Home Minerals List Rocks List

Ophitic, Subophitic, and Intergranular Texture

1. ppl aegirine north-south x10

2. ppl aegirine east-west x10

3. xpl birefringence x10

1. xpl anorthitic; unzoned x10

2. xpl anorthitic; unzoned x10

ppl surrounded by quartz 10*

xpl qtz and plagioclase 10*

ppl inclusions and rimming 10*

xpl off of 1 edge of garnet 10*

xpl low birefringence 5*

ppl within minor crenulations 10*

xpl illmenite crenulated 10*

ppl coarse-grained laths 10*

xpl w/ CPX and OPX 10*

1. ppl basal sections x10

2. xpl basal sections x10

3. ppl long sections x10

4. xpl maximum birefringence x10

5. xpl parallel extinction x10

{0001} basal, poor, {1010}

ppl can see angle of extinction/inclined extinction = CPX 5*

xpl extinction position 5*

ppl plagioclase matrix 5*

ppl coarse-grained porphyrblasts 5*

xpl discordant plagioclase 5*

1. ppl w/chlorite alteration x5

2. xpl w/chlorite alteration x5

3. ppl min. pleoch. haloes N-S x5

4. ppl max. pleoch. haloes E-W x5

5. xpl birefringence E-W x5

6. xpl birefringence N-S x5

7. xpl maximum birefringence x10

tan, green, brown

ppl rhombohedral sections 5*

xpl characteristic cleavage 5*

1. ppl secondary calcite x10

2. xpl secondary calcite x10