Optical Mineralogy First Lecture Exam Closed Book

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GEOL 4320

1. Define the following terms (2 points each): a. wave front

b. phase retardation

c. refractive index

d. dispersion

e. orthoscopic light

f. double refraction

g. pleochroism

2. Write an equation that relates wave frequency (f), wavelength () and speed (v). (6 points).

3. How do the properties (f, , v) of a wave ray change when it passes from a gas into a solid? (3 points).

4. Given the major refractive indices for the following fictitious minerals. Rank these minerals in order of highest to lowest birefringence. (4 points) a. N = 1.45, n = 1.35 b. N = 1.50, n = 1.45 c. N = 2.65, n = 1.55 d. N = 1.65, n = 1.55

5. Which of the above minerals (in problem 4) has (3 points): a) the fastest ray b) the slowest ray c) the highest density

6. Briefly discuss ordinary and extraordinary rays. What is the main difference between them? (12 points)

7. The pictures below show cross-sections of indicatrixes in 3 different mineral grains. Rank these minerals according to the relief that they would display in plane-polarized light. (6 points)

8. Rank the above minerals in terms of the birefringence they would display (6 points).

9. In the diagram below illustrate how double refraction works in a calcite crystal. Identify the rays (what are their names) and show their vibration directions (6 points).

randomly polarized light

10. Define retardation, , (path difference) and write an equation describing how it relates to mineral properties (5 points).

11. What is an optical indicatrix? Draw and describe the 3 main types of indicatrixes. Identify primary planes and axis as appropriate (15 points).

12. Name and describe two different methods for determining the refractive indices of minerals in oils. Describe the microscope setup and how each method works in some detail (20 points).

13. Monochromatic light ( = 500 nm) passes through the wedge below (in a 45 position). How will the light intensity vary along the length of the wedge (maximum thickness is 2000 nm) and why? (15 points bonus).