Birefringence

Optical Properties

Definition

The difference between a gemstone's highest and lowest refractive indices, observed in anisotropic (non-cubic) crystals where light is split into two rays traveling at different speeds.

Detailed Explanation

非等軸晶系の結晶で光が2本の光線に分かれる際の、最大屈折率と最小屈折率の差を指します。正方晶系や六方晶系などの異方性鉱物に見られる性質です。

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