Introduction to Optics

This chapter explains everything you need to know about optics that can be learned at a macro scale (without a microscope) to prepare you for the study of optics at micro scales (with a microscope). By providing an overview of optics, this chapter introduces the fundamentals of physics that apply to light and its interaction with materials (such as reflection and refraction). In mineralogy, these interactions between light and crystals are fundamental to the identification of minerals.

Topics covered in Chapter 16 include:

The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Wave Nomenclature
Refractive Index
Refraction vs. Reflection of Light
Refractometer
Dispersion of Refractive Index
The Prism and the Rainbow
Refraction by Lenses
Estimation and Determination of Refractive Index
Correcting Vision
Relief
Anisotropic Materials
Interference Colors
Polarization by Reflection
Polarization by Absorption
Light Interaction with a Quartz Sphere
Polarized Sunglasses
Gem Refractometer: Anisotropic Minerals