The conoscope

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The conoscope, is an accessory tool to the polariscope. It allows visualizing the optical axes of a birefringent and transparent mineral.
Fist you observe your specmien under the polariscope. Find the interference colors of the optical axis C. Then put the conoscope in place, between the polarizing filters above the stone. Here you will discover the axes.

Note that at least one facet needs to be exactly perpendicular to the optical axis, oterhwise you will not see the axes. When observing a cobochon or a spere the axes are easier to find.


birefringent uniaxial
one optical axis
    

birefringent biaxial
two optical axes

Quartz is the only optical actif mineral and shows a typical bulls eye effect. Also you may discover if the quartz is left or right turning.

bulls eye
    

left turning

More information and pricelist here