Anisotropy

What is anisotropy?
Every mineral has its own properties. These properties could change if the mineral
has different properties in each of the three axes. It is the opposite of isotropy which
means that all the properties of a material is the same when measured on all the
axes. The study of anisotropy helps us understand the nature of the mineral, its
origin, how it was formed and other useful information
How does anisotropy form in the geological world?
Anisotropic minerals/materials are mostly formed during deposition and after. In the
case of minerals
Anisotropic minerals vs. Isotropic minerals
Scientists are very much interested in the properties of minerals because that will
lead many answers and determine the feasibility of whether it has any application if
the real world or not. The most basic way to find whether a mineral is isotropic or
anisotropic is to rotate it under polarized light. Upon a ninety degree rotation if the
mineral stays black it is isotropic but if it does not it is anisotropic.
Seismic anisotropy
Seismic Anisotropy can be defined as the dependence of velocity on direction or upon
angle. There are two main types of anisotropy, both of them are called transverse
isotropy or polar anisotropy. The difference between them is in their axis of symmetry,
which is an axis of rotational invariance such that if we rotate the formation about the
axis, the material is still indistinguishable from what it was before. The symmetry axis is
usually associated with regional stress or gravity.

Work Cited

Thomsen, L. (2002). Understanding seismic anisotropy in exploration and

exploitation. SEG-EAGE Distinguished Instructor Series 5. Society of
Exploration Geophysicists.