| Pleochroism | Forward
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Pleochroism is the variation in color of a particle
as a function of crystallographic direction. It is observed using  plane
polarized light (ie., with only the polarizer or the analyzer
in place). As the stage is rotated, the color of an individual crystal changes.
For example, azurite crystals will change from deep blue to turquoise (assuming
the particles are sufficiently thick to appear colored). This phenomenon
is most easily observed with anisotropic blue and green pigments.
To observe pleochroism in azurite click the show/hide movie link now. Be sure to close the movie when finished. |