GREENLAND SPAR Meaning and
Definition
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Greenland Spar is a mineral that is classified as a form of calcite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. It is a transparent and colorless variety of calcite that was originally discovered in Greenland, hence its name. Greenland Spar is known for its unique optical properties, specifically its ability to exhibit double refraction. This means that when a ray of light passes through a piece of Greenland Spar, it is split into two rays, each following a slightly different path and resulting in a double image.
The distinctive double refraction of Greenland Spar is a consequence of its crystal lattice structure, which causes the light to be split into two perpendicular polarizations. This characteristic makes Greenland Spar a valuable material for use in optical instruments, such as polarizing filters, optical microscopes, and spectroscopes. It is also used in the production of certain types of 3D glasses.
In addition to its optical properties, Greenland Spar has been historically used in various cultural practices and beliefs. In some folklore, it was believed to have protective or healing powers. Its transparent quality also made it a popular material for crafting jewelry and decorative items.
Overall, Greenland Spar is a mineral that is renowned for its double refraction and has found applications in the fields of optics and traditional crafts.
Common Misspellings for GREENLAND SPAR
- freenland spar
- vreenland spar
- breenland spar
- hreenland spar
- yreenland spar
- treenland spar
- geeenland spar
- gdeenland spar
- gfeenland spar
- gteenland spar
- g5eenland spar
- g4eenland spar
- grwenland spar
- grsenland spar
- grdenland spar
- grrenland spar
- gr4enland spar
- gr3enland spar
- grewnland spar
Etymology of GREENLAND SPAR
The word "Greenland Spar" has an interesting etymology. The term "Greenland" refers to the large icy island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, which is now an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. "Spar" is derived from the Old Norse word "sparri", which means a transparent mineral.
The name "Greenland Spar" dates back to the 17th century when it was first described by Danish-Norwegian naturalist Ole Worm. This mineral, also known as "Iceland Spar", is a form of calcite (calcium carbonate) that exhibits remarkable optical properties, such as double refraction. When light passes through it, it is split into two separate rays, creating double images.
The term "Greenland Spar" was likely coined due to the mineral's association with Greenland, where it was first discovered in large quantities.
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