Question:

Oblique extinction is shown by most prismatic sections of minerals crystallizing in the following crystal system.

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Extinction is the position, seen under crossed polars in a microscope, where a mineral grain appears dark. The angle between this dark position and a crystal direction depends on the symmetry of the crystal system.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • Cubic
  • Orthorhombic
  • Monoclinic
  • Triclinic
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Extinction is the position, seen under crossed polars in a microscope, where a mineral grain appears dark. The angle between this dark position and a crystal direction depends on the symmetry of the crystal system.

Step 1:
In low symmetry systems where the crystallographic axes are inclined, the extinction is oblique (inclined). The monoclinic system, having an inclined axis, shows oblique extinction in most prismatic sections.

Step 2:
Cubic minerals are isotropic and stay dark (no extinction angle), while orthorhombic minerals generally show straight (parallel) extinction in prismatic sections. Hence monoclinic best fits oblique extinction.

Answer: Option (3) — Monoclinic.
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