Cross polarised light micrograph of a thin section of igneous rock showing a process known as crystal zoning. The section is dominated by large crystals of the mineral plagioclase feldspar. Large crystals,like these,embedded in a fine grained matrix are known as phenocrysts. These phenocrysts are all zoned; the blue & green hexagon at lower right being the most clearly marked. Zoning is an indication of the changing chemical composition of a crystal during its growth,prior to solidification. The crystal is not uniform in composition throughout its volume. Under cross polarised light the crystal appears two-toned. Magnification x2.5 at 35mm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / McNamee, Dr. Mike |
Taille de l’image : | 5155 px × 3449 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |