Optical Calcite

Optical Calcite

C017/3872 Rights Managed

Request low-res file

530 pixels on longest edge, unwatermarked

Request/Download high-res file

Uncompressed file size: 60.2MB

Downloadable file size: 6.3MB

Price image Pricing

Please login to use the price calculator


Caption: Calcite birefringence seen though a linear polarization filter to remove one of the images. Calcite crystal (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) showing strong birefringence (double refraction). This transparent variety called Iceland spar is used for optical purposes. The strong birefringence causes objects viewed through a clear piece of calcite to appear doubled. The birefringent effect (using calcite) was first described by the Danish scientist Rasmus Bartholin in 1669. The double image is really made up of two images each with a different polarization orientation. The images can be separated with the use of a polarization filter.


Keywords: birefringence, birefringent, caco3, calcite, calcium carbonate, chemistry, crystal, double refraction, geology, iceland spar, icelandic spar, index of refraction, light, mineral, mineralogy, optical, optical calcite, optics, physics, polarization, refraction, refractive index
