Orthopyroxene has much lower birefringence than clinopyroxene. In XPL, orthopyroxene ranges from first order grey to first order yellow. Clinopyroxene shows second order colors in the magenta and blue range.
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Clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are two types of pyroxene mineral group. Clinopyroxene has a monoclinic crystal structure, while orthopyroxene has an orthorhombic crystal structure. Clinopyroxene typically contains more calcium, sodium, and aluminum, while orthopyroxene is richer in magnesium and iron.
Lherzolite rock typically contains minerals such as olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and sometimes chromite or garnet. These minerals make up the typical mineral assemblage found in lherzolite rock, which is a common type of peridotite.
Tholeiitic basalt has a lower alkali content and higher iron content compared to alkali basalt. Tholeiitic basalts are typically found at mid-ocean ridges and oceanic islands, while alkali basalts are more common at intraplate volcanic regions.
Silver chloride appears white, while silver iodide appears yellow. You can further distinguish between the two by adding ammonia solution - silver chloride will dissolve in ammonia, forming a colorless solution, while silver iodide remains unaffected.
Color is not a reliable test for distinguishing between pyrite and gold because both minerals can appear as a brassy yellow color. Other properties, such as hardness and specific gravity, are more useful for distinguishing between the two. Pyrite is harder and heavier than gold, so conducting tests based on these properties is more accurate.
Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure, while rocks are made up of one or more minerals. One can distinguish between the two by examining their composition, texture, and formation process. Minerals have a defined chemical makeup and crystal structure, while rocks are aggregates of minerals or other materials. Rocks also have a variety of textures, such as coarse-grained or fine-grained, depending on how they were formed.