Experimental studies of some technical properties of optical Iceland spar

Abstract

Iceland spar crystals have cleavage, low hardness, brittleness and high surface tension, therefore they are extremely sensitive to various types of physical impacts (impact, pressure, sudden temperature changes, etc.). Consequently, incorrectly applied exploration and mining techniques for this mineral can lead to the damage of a significant amount of optical material. In both domestic and foreign literature, these issues are not covered at all. There are only indications of the need for careful handling of Iceland spar crystals to avoid their damage, as well as wishes to develop deposits using open-pit rather than underground methods.