Optics > Polarization > Double Refraction DCS# 6H35.15

BIREFRINGENT CALCITE CRYSTAL

calcite crystal

APPARATUS
calcite crystal 105-23-D4
polarizing filter 105-23-D5
overhead projector 105


DESCRIPTION
Mask off all but a small hole on the overhead projector and place calcite crystal on top of it.  Rotate the crystal to show that one ray is on axis while the other rotates around it.  Use a polarizer to show that the two rays are orthogonally polarized.

 
NOTES

 
One could also show the calcite (CaCO3) crystal model:
model of calcium carbonate