Steven Dutch, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
What you see in thin section is a random cross-section through a grain whose properties vary in three dimensions. Therefore, always view as many grains of a mineral as possible to get an idea of the total range of properties you observe. Also, bear in mind that you may not get a grain that displays some property to optimum effect.
Isotropic Materials
Zoning
Undulose Extinction
Twinning
Exsolution
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Created December 30, 1999, Last Update
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