General Hints on Doing Petrography Perhaps through an carnest desice to apply everything learned in optical mincralogy, the noviee petrographer tends to start viewing a thin section at too high a magnili- cation and with too many accessories inserted into the microscope. The experioncod petrographer, by contrast, uses the lowest possible magnification commensurate with the grain size of the rock and examines the rock mainly under plane polarized light or possibly crossed polars. Of course, when first learning petrography a high power objective may be necessary to "determine properties that will confirm the identity of ‘a inineral, With experience, however, most of the common rock-forming minerals can be distinguished simply under plane-polatized light. Start your inspection of the thin section under @ low-power objective and with plane-polatized light. You should distinguish felsic minerals (low relief-commonly negative, and mostly colorless) from ferromagnesian minerals (high relief, mostly colored), In addition, features such as pleochroism, grain shape, textural lax tions between grains, and cleavage can also be noted, Only then should the polaxs be crossed. Do not lose track of the identity of the felsic and ferromagnesian mine- rals while examining the section under crossed polars. For example, orthopyroxene and plagioclase, which commonly occur together in a type of gabbro kiown as norite, have very similar interference colors and may appear similar under crossed polars. The difference in relief of the two minerals, howover, makes them quite distinct ‘un- dor plane-polarized light. Finally switch to high magnification and conoscopie light iit is necessary to obtain an interference figure. ‘The light source on the microscope should aot be turned up to its brightest sot ting for the initial petrographic survey, mor should the upper condenser be inscr- ted. These will decrease the contrast in color and relief between minerals. Tt is not necessary to dotermine all of the optical propertics of a mineral to confirm its identity-this would mako a petrographic study of a thin section partic~ larly time consuming, Part of the task of learning petrography is to know which propertios need to be measured for a particular mincral, The descriptions in the fol- Towing chapter emphasize the most diagnostic properties of mincrals. Although you will tend to overdetermine minerals at first, experience will give you the necessary confidence to reduce your observatioas to the minimum. Experienced petrographers keep a mental tally of each mineral they identify in a rock, This list provides them with guidclines whon they attempt to identify the next unknown mineral in the specimen, Certain mincrals are commonly associated, whereas others never occur together. For example, in tholeitic rocks, augite is extremely ‘common with orthopyroxene. On the other hand, a rock containing ncpheline could not contain quartz~the two minerals would react and form albite, In metamorphic rocks, ‘the number of minerals tends to be limited by the number of components present (gene- rally the two are equal); this may help you decide whether to look for additional minerals, or perhaps you have found too many, and two of your identified phases may be differently oriented grains of the same mineral, This approach to thin section study, however, is only possible after you have acquired the necessary petrologic knowledge. |A suggested format for recording petrographic observations is page of this manual. This form fits ‘conveniently on § x 8 inch index cards. It can be photocopied or modified to suit your specific needs.Identification of Minerals Rapid identification of mincrals in thin section, pol- ished section, oF grain mount requires a systematic ap- proach tempered with common sense and familiarity With a variety of common rocks and minerals. This chapter provides some general information to aid in {dentfication. Identification tables and chats are To~ cated in Appendix B. ‘Chapters 10 through 16 provide descriptions of a variety of common minerals, and experience has shown that this selection covers the large majority of ‘minerals found in most rocks. The reader is cautioned, however, that about 4000 different minerals have beet identified and described and no assurance can be gives that an uncommon mineral may not be prosent in any ‘given rock, More complete compilations of optical data are provided by Troger (1979), Fleischer and oth fers (1984), and Phillips and Griffen (1981). The reader js also directed to the excellent compilations of sein- tral data provided by Anthony and others in @ series ‘of volumes (1990, 1995, 1997, 2000) and by Gaines and others (1997). Descriptive Features ‘A prodigious amount of terminology has been devel- apd to describe minecals. Some commonly used terms ate aa follows Crystal Shape dciouar elongate neodle-lke grains Cinhedral — withoot rogaar crystal faces 122 bladed columnar elongate, slender shaped like a column—moderately clongate grains with equidimensional cross section equidimensional grains has well-formed erystal faces individual grains are long slonder fibers Flat elongate grains the dominant faces are those ofa prism has crystal faces but they are poorly formed or irregular shaped like @ honk quant euhedrat fibrous laahlike prismatic ssubhedral sabuuker Mode of Aggregation ‘columnar parallel arrangement of columnar rains more of less parallel tabular or platy rains fequant grains, all about the same size elongate grains in a random pattern clongate grains that radiate out from aceniet {foliated granular matted radiating Cleavage Ingrain moun the planar siesto the indivdual rin infets the presence of cleavage, and, with carta ation, he number and approxima ang haan betwoon the cleavages can be determined. 12 | ta vetion, lesvage ny be dificult to recognize itaderately ‘idimensional faces ig slender cxvotepin | or 4 poorly: | | columnar ular or platy the same size Jom pattern ate out from” | livid grains » with careful inaals with low oie, but careful examination with the aperture diaphragm sct to enhanee the relief may cal the presence of fine parallel cracks. The angle Terween the traces of different cleavages in thin ta depends on how the snineral has been ext and ex- ples ate shown in Chapters 6 and 7. Twinning ‘Many minerals are twinned, and the natuce ofthe twin ning is often easily seen, Simple twins consist of two Teaments that usually go extinet a different points swith stage rotation. Contact twins are joined by a Tooth twin plane separating the segments, while pen- ration twins are generally joined on imegular con- (aets, Polysynthetic (winning consists of numerous twin segments joined on parallel twin planes. If the oocessive twin planes are not paral, a cyclic twin ray result, Alteration Most minerals are subject to alteration from weather ing, hydrothermal processes, or other eauses. All too often, the alleration obscures the identity of the orig- jal mineral, bat, in some cases—such as pinite after cordierite, or iddingsite after olivine—the alteration is ‘useful diagnostic property. Ifthe alteration is severe, the optical properties of the remnants of the original tnineral may be significantly changed. Association Some minerals ace commonly associated in certain tooks or mineral deposits snd other minerals are rarely found together. A knowledge of common mineral es sociations in 2 variety of rock types can aid in mak ing educated guesses as tothe possible identity of Unknown mineral. In addition, a knowledge of asso- ciations may suggest the presence of a mineral that night otherwise be overlooked. While the use of association is valuable, it contains a subtle trap, because it tends to blind the observes to the possibility of an unusual or hitherto unidentified tmineral, When making a choice between what “ought” tobe present versus What the evidence seams to indi- cate, the evidence should be heeded. ‘The tables in Appendix C show minerals Tikely £0 be found in a variety of common rocks and mineral doposits ‘This compilation is far from complete and Tactics for Mineral Identification @ 123 docs not include any of the unusual associations that both frustrate and delight petrographers, nor does it include any of the myriad products of alteration or ‘wealxering that may be present. Tactics for Mineral Identification To identify and describe minerals optically, proceed as follows: 1. Beamine the hand sample of the mineral to deter- rine as many of the following characteristics as possible: color, luster, streak, hardness, cleavage! facture, specific gravity, mineral habit. Provide a tentative identification ot list of possibilities based «cn this information. 2, Hased on the identity of associated minerals, rock type, or type of mineral deposit, modify the tenta- tive list of minerals that the unknown might be. Ap- rendix C lists common mineral associations in dif- sent rook types and mineral deposits. 3. Prepare a thin soction, polished section, or grain ndle stage wots, refer to Chapters 6 THIN SECTION IDENTIFICATION ‘Thia sections are most valuable when rock textures ‘and mineral intergrowth relations are of interest. In- dices of refraction can only be estimated based upon roliaf, and measurement of 2V is approximate, A thin secion takes substantially more time to prepare than ‘grain mounts, bot the time is often well spent. Proceed as follows: 1. Sean the slide to examine different grains of the unknown mineral. Color, relief, twinning, crystal shape, textures, and alteration usually provide the basis for distinguishing different minerals. Cross and uncross polarizers, and rotate the stage 2s needed. Record the following information: 1, Color end pleochroism (if any) b, Reliof relative to cemer c. Mineral habit, textures, and alteration d ‘Whether the mineral is isotropic or anisotropic [Nature of twinning, if present f. Nature of cleavage and/or fracture 2, IFisotropie, go to the identification tables (Appen- dix B) and mineral descriptions,124 @ _Indentification of Minerals 3, I anisotropic: a, Scan the slide to find a grain of the unknown displaying the lowest interference color (0) Uniaxial. Obtain an interference Figure and de termine optic sign, Return t0 orthoscopic ium ration and record the color associated with o and the relief associated with me (2) Biaxial Obtain an interference figure and deter nine optic sign, 2¥, and dispersion charactotis- © ties if any. Rotate the stage fo place the optic plane at right angles (othe lower polarize dree- tion, Return to orthoscopie illumination and ob ferve the cotor easociated with ¥ and record the lief of the mineral associated with mp. Cheok the Becks line to determine i mp it greater o less than the index of refraction of cement. ’. Scan the slide to find a grain of the unknose displaying the highest interference color {lp Deteemine maximum tireeingence based on in terference color and shin section thickness usiog Piste 1 (@ Record the color and relief associated with me nial) of my and (biaxial. Use tne accessory diate w distinc the appropriate vibration dF Feotions. Refer to Chapter 5 for use of the acces ory pls and Chapters 6 and 7 for information on vibration divestons. pit cqyallograpi dicetions can be recognized detemnine otic orientation of biaxial rinerals . If'the mineral is elongate ur has eleavage (iy Measure extinction angles on » number of gras ‘often the diagnostic pxtinction angle is measured on grains with maxima birefringence (9) Detormine sign of elongation length fast or length slow). 4, Go to identification tables and mineral deserip- tions to determine identity of the mineral, For ‘minerals in thin section, The chart printed on the back side of the interference color chart (Plate 49) provides a convenient starting point. Use the other figures and tables in Appendix B as neeced tohelp refine the possibilities. Note thet Plate 2, “Table B.6, and the mineral descriptions ja. the latter part of the text all refer to rolie® in thin section. Tt is assumed that the cement used in thin section has an index of refraction of 1-540. ‘Some cements may have an index of refraction either higher of lower than 1.540, so relief seen ‘with these cements may be different than re ported here. Fin doubt about a cement’ index PF refraction, consult the manufacturer, oF pre: pare a grain mount of fragments of cured cement fand measure it using the immersion method. GRAIN MOUNT IDENTIFICATION Grain mounts of an unknown mineral are useful be cause they ant quicker (o prepare than a thin section nd they provide accurate numerical values of indices Of refraction, birefringence, and related optical vari bles. From these data, it may be possible to estimate ‘chemical composition or confirm an identity that was Tincertain in thin section or hand sample, It is gener dilly necessary to separate grains of the unknown min. tral from others that may be in the sample, prios to preparing the mouat. in handling grain mounts, bo Pareful to avoid getting immersion ofl on Tenses and ‘working parts of the microscope. To identify an un- Tnown mineral in grain mount, proceed 26 follows 4. Scan the slide to observe as many of the following properties about the unknown tineral as possible: Tall relative to immersion oil, whether isotropic for anisotropic, nate of twinning Gf present), ma tore of cleavage and fracture, and alteration 2, If isotropic, compare the indices of refraction of jmmersion oil and mineral using the Becke Hine, Prepare additional grain mounts using differen i tnercion oils anil an index of refraction match is Uihsined between te mineral and oil. Use the bracketing technique described sm Chapte 3 3, If anisotropic: 4. Soan the slide o find a grain of the anknown wvth the lowest interference color (0) Oniaal, Obtain an interference figure and deter- nine optic sign. Retua 9 othoseepe mina. tion and record the color asscisted with oad tevord the elif aseocated with Me Check the Peck line o determin it. is greater oless tan the index of refraction ofthe oft (@)Blexial. Obtain a iterference igure and dete ine optic sign, 2V, and dispersion eharecteri- teeny. Rotate the stage to place tho opi pla tight angles to the lower polarizer diection. Re turn to orthosopie illumination and observe th oor associated with ¥and record the ie of ie neal asocatd with ng- Chock te Beck int to determine if nq rea o ess than the nde of refraction ofc"3 inde. OF pre ocment } tefl be- 1 section Cindices cal vai estimate = that was pene. prior to unis, be asos and ¥ an une allows: allowing sossible: isotropic cent), na vetion of 2k Tine rent im mate is Pte ) inknown, nd dter- ithumina- tho, and “heck the “tess than | and dete caraced piicplane ation. Re: verve the tir ofthe eck tne = | the index b, Scan the slide to find a grain of the unknown displaying the highest interference cotor. (IC the mineral forms elongate fragments because of cleavage, weasuee tho extinction angle and de- termine sign of elongation. (@) Record the color snd relit associated with me (uni- axial) of my ad my (biaxial). Use the accessory ple to distinguish the appropriate vibration di c. Prepare additional grain mounts to find index of rofraction matches for ny and ne (uniaxial) oF, np and (biaxial) following the procedures de- scribed in detail earlier. 4. Go to identification tables (Appendix B) and mineral descriptions to identify the unknown, POLISHED SECTION IDENTIFICATION Proficiency in identification of minerals with a stan- dard reflecting light microscope depends on gaining experience based on having looked at many simples. Unless equipment js available to make reflectance measurements, most of the items to be observed in re flective light are qualitative, Begin by scanning the polished section in both plane light and with crossed polarizers to note intergrowth textures, colors, slter- ‘ation, or other features that distinguish among differ- tent opaque minerals in the sample. Then proceed sys tematically to observe the following for each mineral: 1 In plane light (analyzer removed) 2° Reflesiance: Try to distinguish among very tow like quartz or epoxy), low (like magnetite), moderate (ike galena), and high (like pyrite) b, Bireflectance: Rotate the stage and nto wheter the reflectance varies, ¢. Color and reflectance pleochroisia a. Polishing hardness relative to other toinerals in che sample 2. With crossed polarizers (analyzar inserted) a, Polarization colors b. Intemal refletions Based on these observations, refer to Tables B.13, B.14, and B.15 in Appendix B, and refer to the min- eral descriptions to work out the identification Use oF THE IDENTIFICATION TABLES Tne optical data for minerals described in Chapters 10 through 16 are presented in Appendix 1 and selected Tactics for Mineral Identification > 125 ‘optical ¢ata are shown on Plate 2 (back of interference ‘color chart, Plate 1). The contents af Appendix B are: Figue B.1 Values of 2V and birefringence (8) for biaxial minetals Table B.1 Color of minerals in thin section and grain mount ‘Table B.2 Index of refraction of isotropic or nearly isotropic minerals Table BI Indices of refraction of uniaxial minerals ‘Table B4 Indices of refraction of biaxial nogetive minerals arranged in order of increasing np ‘Table B.S Indices of refraction of bisxial positive minerals arranged in order of increasing mp ‘Table B.6 Birefringence ‘Tebl B.7 Minerals that may display ‘anomalous interference colors ‘Table B.8 Isometric minerals that may display anomalous birefringence ‘Table B.9—Teiragonal and hexagonal minerals that may be anomalously biaxial ‘Table B.10 Normally birefringent minerals that may be sensibly isotropic ‘Table B11 Binxial minerals that may be sensibly uniaxial ‘Table B.A2 Minerals that may produce pleochroic halos in surrounding minerals ‘Table B13 Colors exhibited by opaque inerals in polished section viewed in ai Table B.14 Reflectance values (percent) for selected minerals in air ‘Tabic B15 Polishing hardness ‘Table B.6, Plate 2, and the mincral descriptions in the chapters that follow all refer to the relief in thin sectior. [tis assumed that the cement used in thin sec~ tions has an index of refraction of 1.540, which is the index of refraction of Canada balsam and many com- mercilly aveiluble epoxies and ultraviolet-curing ce- ‘ments in common use. However, some coments have aan index of refraction either higher or lowes than 1.54. IF the cement ig significantly different than 1.54, the relief of minerals in thin section may be different than what is reported in this book. Ifthe index of refrac126 _Indentification of Minerals tion of a mineral is being compared with the cement fn a thin section, itis important to know what the in- idex of refraction of the coment actually is, Fin doubt, consti the manufacturer TF prain mount or spindle stage techmiques are emt ployed, the most useful data are the tabulations of the Inulices of refeaction (Tables B.2 through B.5). A eross- check of color, birefringence, and 2V, as appropriate, ray help narrow the list of possibilities. or isotropic minerals in thin section, the tabula tions of color (Table B.1) and index of refraction (iuble B.2), supplemented by Plate 2, are typically fal, Note, however, that only a rough estate m ean be made from the relief in thin section. For anisotropic minerals in thin seetion, Plate 2 is ‘useful starting points, The tabalations of birefrin- gence (Table B.6) and color (Table B.1) help narcove the list of possibilities. For biaxial minerals, Figure BL, which shoves the optic angle, can be quite useful Nonminerals Imperfectly prepared thin scetions may contain & va- riety of materials that can be mistaken for minerals or that cornplicate the identification process. Some of the more common arc bubbles, grinding abrasive, and tex: tile fibers (Figore 9.1). ‘loss care is taken in preparing thin sections, bub- bles trapped in the cement arc almost inevitable. If « pubbie has been trapped where «grain hes been piuctond cy it can be mistaken for a high-relief isotropic min- trai. Small spherical bubbles may display what fooks Tike a uniaxial eross in osthoscopic illumination be ‘ween crossed polarizers. Larger bubbles may be quite inregular, but typically display curved or rounded boundaries due to the surface tension of the cement. Silicon carbide grinding abrasive appears as fine, ‘angular opaque grains distributed throughout the slide, ‘or concentrated in eracks or void spaces in the sam- ple. If the cement is not entirely cured before grind: Ing, abrasive may be embedded in the cement. “Textile materials from paper towels, clothing, and other sources appear as elongate fibers that are tyPi- tally kinked. These matotials may display interference Colors between crossed polars because many varictios sro anisotropic. By carefully adjusting the focus, itcan tiswally be determined that these fibers are in the ce- iment either above or below the sample. Frigare 91 Nonminerals found in thin seotons (Top) Tes: Tit aber (crossed polarizers). (Bottom) Hoke (En tia sesaion paally occupied by a bubble (B) (plane igh). The Rak material around the edges of the hole and soatsred through the epory in the hole i ernding abrasive (A). Problems in Paradise I would be nice if mineral identification and descrip: tion cout be accomplished by measuring @ number} eeipropetis that unambiguously Tead 10 an answet | ‘The reality, as students soon Tent, is subject to am | biguity and uncertainty. Different minorals have sine ilar properties, some minerals have a wide ange of properties, and properties may be incorretly mea ured. Samples may also be too small or in incoaver: jent orientations, thereby precluding some measure iments ot obgervations. “These problems, while very real, become more manageable as exporieace is gained by studying tran different suites of rocks and mineral deposits ‘ind learning to recognize the subtle characteristics ff each mineral. That experience is gained most rap(Top) Tex. Dinath sight). The ee sd descrip. a number an answer ect to am- have sine e range of tly. men inconven: smeasure- ame more studying 11 doposits 7 References and Suggestions for Additional Reading @ 127 idly if systematic approach is used. In this chapter ‘and elscwhero, step-by-step instructions are provided to guide the student through the process of obtaining ‘optical data on an unknown mineral, Stadents ate en couraged to follow those instructions and to clearly define and understand what they ate looking for be- fore spending time peering down the microscope tube, The quality of mineralogical data also can cause problems. Two issues, in particular, require comment. INCONSISTENCIES IN CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC SETTINGS Jn orthothombic, moneclinic, and triclinic minerals, crystal axes may be assigned in several different ways. ‘This has led to a substantial amount of confusion in the literature, where optical and physical properties are described using one crystal axis setting, and the struc- ture is described using another setting. A concerted ef- fort has been made to use a consistent crystal-axis set- ting for all properties in the mineral descriptions that follow, but the reader is cautioned that problems may persist and should exercise caution when comparing data from different sources. Poor Dara ‘Most of the optical and physical properties reported in this and other standard sources on minerals are based! ‘on observations and repotts from over a century ago. ‘These data are uncritically repeated in each new text reference work, with a few additions or modifica. ‘tons based on new measurements gleaned from the li erature, Old errors are thereby perpetuated and new, often unrepresentative data added. As a general rue, data from the reference works by Det and others (1962-2001, 1992) and/or Anthony and others (1990, 1995, 1997, 2000) are used here, but other sources were used! where it seemed appropriate. Because the time re quired to systematically verify and update the data on ‘each mineral is very large, it has not been attempted here. Reader beware REFERENCES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL READING Anthony, LW, Bideaox, R.A. Bad, KW. and Nicos, MC, 1960, 1995, 1997, 2000, Handbook of minerlagy, rol i: Elemens, sulfides, sufosilts; vo. 2: Silica, sil sates: vol 3: Hales, hydroxides, oxides, vl. 4: Arse tes, Phosphates, wranaies, vanadates. Mineral Dats Publishing, Tucson, AZ. Caneron, EN, 1961, Ore microscopy: Wiley, New York, 239. Cig, Rand Vitgh, D. 1, 1981, Ore microscopy and ore petrography. Wiley, Ne York, 405 pp. Dea RA. Hove, R.A. and Zussna, J 1962-2001, Rock “Pring minerals, ist edition, 5 Vos John Wiley & Sons, New York; 2nd edition, vols. LA, 24, 26, 44, and 5B, ‘The Geological Society, London; vol. 5B, Longman Sci lean Techneal, New York Dear, R.A. Howie, R.A. and Zussman, J, 1992, Am in “diction to the rok forming miseals, 2nd eon “engman, London, 695 pp. Fleischer, M, Wilcox, Rand Mako, J, 1984 Mro- cops determination of the nonopague minerals: US. Geological Survey Bult 1627, 458 p. Gaines, ®.V, Kian, H.C. W, Foor, BE, Mason, Ba “nd Rosenzweg. A’ 1997. Dana's New Mineralogy, 2k edition: Wiley, New York, 1872 pp Hiomphsies, D. W., 1992, The preparation of thin sections Of ook, minerals, and ceramics: Oxford Univesity Press, Oxf, 83 pp Nese, WB, 2000, dai amnesty: Oxf Ua ‘eesity Press, New York 42 pp. Philip, W. Re and Gite, D. Ty 1981, Optical minerat {985 The nonopague minerals: W. Freeman an Com- pany, San Francisco, 677 pp. ‘hoger W.E., 1979, Optical determination of rockforming ‘ineais, Pact, Determinative table. English eon of he dth Germasedituon by Bambang, H. U. Taborgzky, 3, and Troha, HD. Schwiczeraa'sche: Verlag Dechhandlang, tutes, 188 po.sgabto3-1_ Common Igneous Textural Terms Gita ojocrytaline Hypocrystlioe ‘atoyalin, Vitec Grain Sie ‘sphacitie Phanesitc Cyptocrytaine Five grained Mes grained Coarse gtined. Pegmaiic Aghitic ‘Bquigramular Tnequigeanular Porpylte Pextares Porphyiic Megapocpbyeitc Misroponphyriie Phytie pyre) Phesoersst Mierophenoeryst Mogacesst Poitiiie Oikoeryst Groundmass Comuloplyec Glomeropoxphysite tal pop Seriate Aphyrie Form of Buhedeal (idiomorphie) Subledra! {Gubidiomorphie) Textures of Igneous Rocks 43 Winder (2001) Consisting entirely of erste (default tor, not commonly wed. Gantaining both erystas and lass. Gonsitingwottly of gles Mest minovals are too Sine grlned to se with the miked eye ‘he minerals are coarse enongh to see wih the oaked eye “Too fine-grained to cistinguish the minerals rateroscaplealy ‘Average erytal diameters es than Ima. ‘Average crystal diameters (5 mi. ‘Average exssal diameter s greater shan Sst. ‘Very conse grained, ‘rae: to mieuitm grained xenomorphic and equigrannlar (looks sugary) Grains reall approximately the same sie. Grains vary considerably in se. Approximately bimodal ste distibuton (usually requires a great ference). Parphyrtie texte chat can bo seen in hand specinen (rarely used). Pephyrtic tentore tha vio only under the miccscope, ‘An iiective (or suffix) rafecing to pocplitic texte. Ege erystal stn a fine matt Mieroscopic crystals tha ae ili lager than the enainder ofthe roundness, ‘An unusually large exyta, elther a phenoaryst or axenoerys ‘he host phenoeryst(okecryat eontins many inlisions of other minerals re host penocryt in potklictestre ‘hs alan or finer pyaiio element io the porphyitic texte (wari, mesostas), Phesoerysts ofthe same or different minorals occu in custrs (Figure 3-1). ‘Syonyimaus with camolophyie (ed by sme to specity that only one manera is involved), The bre promoted diferenc in size between the physic and groundmass phases (he dofeut sara: rarely eed). 7 “there isa continuous gradation in sen Non porphyrite (no phenocrysts. Completely bound by eystal fees rysal faces only pavUally developed. ‘Anode (aloefomorpbie) Crystal faces ave ontirely absent {Crystal habits: equi, primate, columnar, Corraded (embayed) Fons of Panidionoephie Fypidionorphie Alfotiomarphie ‘Sure Mossi Iisxgromts Host (Ofkoeyst) Guest Poieliie Ganphie Miccograpic| Granophiyie Bssoationtamllas Ponte Antiportite | Sympleetie Myrmekite Sphere Asioltic ins the Rock ava Whole ferent, ibs, tule, platy, ieaceous lah-saped et. (see any minerstogy Wx. “Subhooral or antostal forms produced by patil welling resorption} of phenocrysts by dhe melt Most ofthe grains are cual (rare). Contiating predominantly of subhedal grains (common fa any ranitievoce). ‘Most ofthe ges are auhedral. Coma. anaterialby atfataion along hight iregularinterpenettatiog boondaries. Common in reerystalized de formed rocks. ‘A texture of polygonal equgranular crystals. “the large aninerat that inelides others i pole extte ‘Te included! mineral in politic texte. ‘Gnelargeecytal contains several stall diecote crttls of mother mineral Refers to growth phonemena, not ‘essoltion or replacoment. ‘Anintorgrowth in which the guest shows angular wedge-Tike forms. Usually occurs wth quart crating (Figuee 3-50) ‘Graphic texte visible only under te miroseope. etre of soxain pogphyriic rocks in wich the groundmass minerals (asully quartz and alkali olson) pen unl each other as feathery ieguarfotergfowbs, Recombles micrographic fstute, but sere ixegulr Lamellar hands ofa phase exslved ror a host pase (Figure 3-8), Inrogalar voing, ates, lenses et, soc plogicelae in ao alka feldspar host. Saal ests from exsturon (Figure 3-182). ‘Espolution lamellae ofall feldspar a plagioclase host, Usually much thinner thon pertite, ‘Replacement texture in which a vines eplaed by an intrgrow of one or more mineral ‘A tevondary texture consisting of regulae “won” iss o ods of qvarz in plagioelase host ajaccnt to al Tel etdspar grains (Figure 3-2) ‘A vadia intergrowt of fibrous minerals, Commonly skal okdspar andl quart in devitifod stk voles. Similac to soherulie, but the fibers oocur ina layer and sxe otiented norm (ots walls. {contin44 Chapters Table3-1 Continued Varolie Coaleseent ‘Textores of Mate Tgngous Rocks Ophitle Subophitie Nesophitie Fotexgeanalar Intesertat Hyalo-ophiie Hyalopifi Diktytitic Cunslate Oethoourlate ‘Adoumuinte Mesneomnlate Replacement Pextures Psoudomorp Syrmplctite Sphere stwaturcsconsating of divergent plagioclase fibers la cota bal. Anshedeal textures developed by simeltunease grow of two miner pron in contac, Large pyroxene grains oncloso smal! random plagioclase tachs (Figure 3-8) ‘The plagioclase fats ae larger ad ealy paral enclosed bythe pyroxene, Plagiclase is iarger yet andthe pyrosenes are itorstta Small dsecte grains of pyroxene oflae at, il the inerses in a random network of larger plagioclase ats (Figure 3-29), Gls, exptoeryetallie material, or alteratian products occupy the spaess between plgioctge lth ‘Aa ieesercl texture in whieh #largexainounl of glsef present and les pyroxene Still mone glass is present and plagiaclse occurs only us tiny raudona nivalis, “Texture of ceraia basalts conaining abundant angular inion gas cavities betwcen te plagioclase las Interstitial growth of a usecal between cartes ois whieh are alin comet an give the cintiet impression thet they aczumilated atthe bottom ofa magia chamber (Fgine 3-14). ; ‘Cumlate testure with other minerals cocupying the interstitel areas (Figure 3-14). i ‘Cumlate texture in which the early curnulate miele grow to fil che poe space (Figure 3 Me), Intermediate batweor ortho- and adsl (Ono or mare minorals replace another, retaining the Form ofthe original mlner ‘A replacement texture in whieh 2 minceal is placed by an intorgrost oF one or more mera Other forms inelnds replacement of ins, cores, or palches of one miberl hy another. Comox processes hice: Ueaizaton Sassrlzation Diottation Seriaston Miscellaneous Terms Titers Coyle Miceolites Felty Pilotaste rachytic Empbajed Skletal Sieve Bpitaetic Rapakivi Veticutee Seoriaccons Pasnicoous Dikiytextic Mincoitie ye vesicles Voricular piper Amygdala! Lithophiysae Flow Folinion Banding Lineation Xenalith Kenocrys Pere Pytoeastic eel Orbicwes Spies yeotastie Terms ‘See Section 2.5 Pyrocastle Glas textures ele tears Pele aie Flame ‘Roplacement of pyroxene by amphibole (Figure 3-218), Replacement of plagioclase hy epiate Replacement of pyroxene o amphibole by Wotte. Ropinvement of any matic mineral by ehorits Figure 3-200), ‘Replacement of feldspar or feldspathic by fine white meas (One minora fils the intertios betwean eat ceyetlizd gis (Figure 3-7). ‘Minute, inchowie crystals in eaest stages of formation. They are iotropic and eannot be denied unde them crostope. ‘Tay necdlo- or lath-ke crystals of which at east some properties aro mieraseopicllydetcrsinabie ‘Conssting of random mcrlites (Figure 3-120) ke fely Consisting of (lelespat) micratesstigned de fo Row (Pigire 3-120), “Raving embayment duc to reaction with the melt (resorption) (Figure +2) CCaysals which grew as, or have been corral to, a skeletal framework witha high proportion af intemal voids (igure 3-4 CGrpetal ave ile wilh ebanachways (oppearing as holes) dae to resoeption (Figure 3-16). GrTented auclestion of ons mineral on soothe of difer kind Overgrowths of plagioclase on alkali feldspa Contains gas tubes. ‘ighly vesicular. Froiby vesicular structure characteristic of pace ‘Containing vescies into which mizrophenoeerats prot, {Gag eavitas present jn certain plutons racksinio which eahedal minerals prote. Taberlke elongate vsile that rosul ree rang ene. Cylodrical bodies highly charged with vesiles. Vesicles completely or partly filed with scondary nora [Large ovoid structures represonting gas bubNos in deviitiedrhyolte glass A patel suse developed a the result of ow. Planar paaletim, ‘Alternating planar layers. Linesr peralctisn. t ‘An inclusion of country rock ‘A single-crystal foreign incision, centric fracture pattoen resulting from contraction of some volcanic lasses upon cooling. omprisod of fragments (Ovold blobs created by liquid immiselbitty, mingled roaginas,o led vesicles (Ovold masses of radiating erytals, coments concenitealy banded, fou in some granites. CContineter-salesulb-parallel to denditic growth of olivine erytals in save quenched ultamaies, ey lap Eilrikeszands of glass, es Conpressed pumice faginents in attA SIMPLE GUIDE TO INTERFERENCE FIGURES This short guide does not deal in any way with the theory behind interference figures, but should enable you to: + Get a good interference figure + Distinguish uniaxial and biaxial figures + Determine optic sign + Estimate the property known as 2V Producing an optic-axis interference figure + Choose a grain showing the lowest interference colors that you can find for the particular mineral you're interested in + Move to the high-powered objective lens, refocus, and make sure that the grain you ‘want fills the centre of the field of view, and stays there as you rotate the stage. + Open the sub-stage diaphragm as wide as possible, and cross the polars + Insert the condenser lens + Insert the Bertrand Lens (or remove the eyepiece) + Bingo! Interpreting o1 axis figures The interference figure will consist of one or more black straight or curved lines (called isogyres) on a light or colored background, ‘There are two main types of figure: UNIAXIAL figui Ideally you will see a black cross with "arms" (isogyres) pointing N-S and E-W. If the cross is not perfectly centred with the crosshairs, the centre of the cross will rotate as you rolate the stage, but the ams will always be N-S and E-W. As you rotate the stage, successive quadrants of the cross will move into the field of view. BIAXIAL figures: Ideally you will see one or more curved isogyres. The degree of curvature will vary from almost a right-angle bend, to a straight line. As you rotate the stage the direction of curvature on the isogyre will change.Determining optic sign + Rotate the stage until either: (a) You can clearly see NE quadrant of the cross (if a uniaxial figure), or (b) You can see a curved biaxial isogyre running from NW to SE, and coneave to the NE. + Insert the sensitive tint plate (ensuring that it is set length slow, with the plus si along its length) + Any isogyres you can see will go purple. Look closely for any color changes in the NE quadrant of the cross (or fo the NE of any curved isogyre aligned as above). BLUE means that the mineral is optically positive, YELLOW that the mineral is optically negative. Is ‘This assumes that your microscope has an aecessory slot running SW-NE, and that your tint plate is length slow. If your microscope has a SE-NW slot, the signs given above will be reversed (i.c., blue - negative, yellow - positive). If you are in doubt about the otientation of your microscope or tint plate, find a grain of quartz (¢.g., in a granite or sandstone slide) showing dark grey bireftingence colors. Then, obtain a figure as described in (1) above and insert the tint plate. This will show you the distribution of colors for an optically ve mineral. You will sometimes find that other users of your microscope have deliberately (or otherwise) fiddled with the orientation of your sensitive tint plate, so i's a good idea to check if in doubt. Estimating 2V. 2V is detined as the angle between the two optic axes of a biaxial figure. Rather tha worry about what this means, we will concentrate on estimating its value from interference figures - you can use this as a diagnostic test without needing to understand it, There are various ways to estimate 2V - here we will only use the OPTIC AXIS FIGURE (produced by the procedure above) 2V = 0° (uniaxial) ‘You see a black cross 2V=low (1-30) You see one, or more probably two, very strongly curved isogyres, which may resemble a uniaxial eross, but on close examination the cross breaks up into 2 curved lines as the stage is rotated. 2V=medium (30-70) You see a noticeably curved isogyre. As you rotate the stage, the direction in which the curve is concave will vary. 2V=high (70-90) You sce a single isogyre which is only slightly curved, or, if 2V is 90 degrees, straight. ‘As you rotate the stage, the direction in which the curve is concave will vary, although this may be barely perceptible. A straight biaxial isogyre, unlike a uniaxial one, will not always be parallel to one or other of the crosshairs.