dichroism
Quick Summary
Dichroism is a property observed in some crystals and solutions where they absorb one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other. This phenomenon can also manifest as the property of exhibiting different colors when viewed by reflected or transmitted light. The term "dichroic" describes something possessing this property. A related concept is circular dichroism, which refers to the unequal absorption of right and left plane-polarized light, resulting in elliptically polarized emergent light. This property is also utilized in a spectroscopic technique. The word "dichroism" originates from Greek words meaning "of two colors".123
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- micaPhysical properties
…more properly for these minerals, dichroism): When viewed along different crystallographic directions, especially using transmitted polarized light, they exhibit different colours or different absorption of light or both.
Read More…more properly for these minerals, dichroism): When viewed along different crystallographic directions, especially using transmitted polarized light, they exhibit different colours or different absorption of light or both.
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tourmaline…of tourmaline are very strongly dichroic—that is, they are of different colour when viewed in the direction of different axes; the ordinary ray is almost completely absorbed. Plates cut parallel to the vertical axis of a tourmaline crystal allow only the extraordinary ray through; if two such plates are placed…
Read More…of tourmaline are very strongly dichroic—that is, they are of different colour when viewed in the direction of different axes; the ordinary ray is almost completely absorbed. Plates cut parallel to the vertical axis of a tourmaline crystal allow only the extraordinary ray through; if two such plates are placed…
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