The Optical and X-Ray Properties of the Ferromagnesian Olivine Minerals with Charts to Aid Identification

Author: Cook, Phillip Granville

Year: 1950

Degree: Master's thesis

Advisor: Engel, Albert Edward John

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Geology

DOI: 10.7907/QWBE-DM48

Abstract

A systematic search of the literature has been attempted to secure all available optical data for the natural ferromagnesian olivine minerals. These optical data have been plotted in graphical form against published chemical compositions, producing a chart relating these properties. The object has been to facilitate identification of these ferromagnesian olivines. The resulting curves of refractive indices, birefringence and 2V have been analyzed for what are considered to be causes of the small deviations from the curves of the same properties of the synthetic ferromagnesian olivines.

A short historical discussion is presented of the work done in determining unit cell dimensions, including the recent studies by Dr. Horace Winchell at Yale University.

Six minerals of the ferromagnesian olivine group have been photographed with X-rays employing the powder technique. The d/n values are given in tabular and graphical form which are usable for the identification of the ferromagnesian olivines.

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