Conoscope

/ˈkɒnəskəʊp/ noun

Definition

An optical instrument used in mineralogy and crystallography to examine the internal structure and optical properties of crystals.

Etymology

From Greek 'konos' (cone) + 'skopein' (to examine or view), because the instrument produces cone-shaped optical patterns when examining crystal structures.

Kelly Says

Geologists and mineralogists use conoscopes to 'see' inside crystals by looking at how light bends through them—it's like giving crystals an X-ray vision in visible light.

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