Optical Crystal Chemistry

In this chapter we relate the interaction of light with minerals to the study of mineral crystal chemistry. The chemistry of a mineral affects its optical properties, especially its refractive index. Refractometry is the technique used to measure the refractive indices of minerals. This chapter explores how the refractive index of a mineral is measured and how the refractive index relates to crystal structure.

Topics covered in Chapter 18 include:

Refractive Indices and Minerals
Measuring Refractive Indices
Spindle Stage
Absorption and Pleochroism
Relating Optic Properties to Crystal Chemistry
LCD's
Calculating Refractive Indices
Relationship to Density and Bonding
Gladstone-Dale Relationship
How to Build a Spindle Stage and Oil Cell