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Calcite crystal birefringence

Crystal system diagram with labelled axes and angles, alongside a photo of a calcite crystal on grid paper showing double refraction.

The calcite crytal lattice is a trigonal system. When text or an object is viewed through a clear calcite crystal, two images are seen. Light rays refract in two different ways as they pass through the crystal.

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 10 October 2012Updated: 24 November 2025Size: 3.35 MB
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