The linear relationship between olivine compositions and indices of refraction permits the quick and easy determination of olivine compositions. Indices of refraction are determined directly in thin section using dispersion staining techniques. Individual olivine crystals of proper orientation can be chemically characterized using the following equations:
mole % fayalite =(nD alpha −1.6325)0.0020
(1)
mole % fayalite =(nD beta −1.6490)0.0022
(2)
mole % fayalite =(nD gamma −1.6651)0.0022
(3)

Accuracy with this technique is ±2 percent fayalite.

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