| Element | % | | Oxide | % |
| H | 0.46 | | H2O | 4.11 |
| O | 43.95 | | | |
| Mg | 11.77 | | MgO | 19.52 |
| Al | 8.01 | | Al2O3 | 15.13 |
| Si | 18.10 | | SiO2 | 38.72 |
| K | 8.23 | | K2O | 9.91 |
| Ca | 0.07 | | CaO | 0.10 |
| Ti | 1.06 | | TiO2 | 1.77 |
| Mn | 0.03 | | MnO | 0.04 |
| Fe | 8.33 | | FeO | 10.72 |
|
|
|
| Sum | 100.0 | | Sum | 100.0 |
|
|  | |
| 200 µ m
| |
|
This is a reflected light micrograph of polished, carbon coated biotite crystals.
The identifying etched label, which is a feature
of our standards, is invaluable for navigating in an electron beam instrument.
Biotite is a micaceous mineral
which forms platy, often curved crystals. Here the crystals are
seen sideways on, as wispy flakes which are quite large enough to
position an electron beam. The name refers to the French
mineralogist Biot.
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