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Iceland spar

noun

  1. a transparent variety of calcite that is double-refracting and is used as a polarizer.

Iceland spar

noun

  1. a pure transparent variety of calcite with double-refracting crystals used in making polarizing microscopes

Iceland spar

/ īs′lənd /

  1. A form of calcite that is transparent and causes light passing through it to refract in two directions (forming a double image of an object seen through it). Iceland spar occurs in perfect rhombohedrons and is used in optical instruments.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Iceland spar1

First recorded in 1820–30

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Example Sentences

Calcite when pure, as in the well-known Iceland-spar, is perfectly transparent and colourless.

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