Agate. Polarized light micrograph of a thin section through an agate geode. Layers of chalcedony (banded) surround an interior of quartz crystals. A g
Agate. Polarized light micrograph of a thin section through an agate geode. Layers of chalcedony (banded) surround an interior of quartz crystals. A geode forms when layers of the mineral silica (silicon dioxide) precipitate from liquid onto the inside of rock hollows. Chalcedony, the amorphous or non-crystalline form of silica, forms the outer banded layers. The final, central part that forms is the pure crystalline form of silica, quartz. The normal appearance of the chalcedony is coloured by impurities with the pure quartz being colourless. Quartz crystals can also be seen in the outer area. Magnification: x2 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.
Size: 3413px × 5120px
Photo credit: © ANTONIO ROMERO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: agate, anisotropic, anisotropy, birefringence, birefringent, chalcedony, close-, cryptocrystalline, crystal, crystallography, dioxide, earth, gem, gemstone, geode, geological, geology, geoscience, light, macro, materials, microcrystalline, micrograph, microscope, mineral, mineralogical, mineralogy, mining, moganite, petrographic, petrography, photography, physical, polarisation, polarised, polarization, polarized, quartz, research, science, sciences, section, silica, silicate, silicates, silicon, stone, structure, thin
