GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -An optically isotropic material is one in which the index of refraction (or the phase velocity of a wave) is the same in all directions.

Detailed explanation-2: -Isotropic refers to the properties of a material which is independent of the direction whereas anisotropic is direction-dependent. These two terms are used to explain the properties of the material in basic crystallography.

Detailed explanation-3: -Isotropic materials are materials whose properties remain the same when tested in different directions. Isotropic materials differ from anisotropic materials, which display varying properties when tested in different directions. Common isotropic materials include glass, plastics, and metals.

Detailed explanation-4: -Orthotropic materials are a subset of anisotropic materials; their properties depend on the direction in which they are measured. Orthotropic materials have three planes/axes of symmetry. An isotropic material, in contrast, has the same properties in every direction.

Detailed explanation-5: -Isotropic vs Anisotropic Minerals Isootropic minerals have the same physical and chemical properties in all directions, while anisotropic minerals have different properties in different directions. For example, the mineral quartz is isotropic, while the mineral tourmaline is anisotropic.