The Difference in Optics Between Volcanic and Plutonic Plagioclases, and its Bearing on the Granite Problem

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Abstract
The orientation of the optical indicatrix in synthetic and volcanic plagioclases differs from that in plutonic and metamorphic plagioclases, the former “optics” being commonly known as “high-temperature”, and the latter as “low-temperature”. The difference between the two series is most marked at the sodic end and decreases towards An70. The conclusion that the difference, though small, still persists in the range An70 to An100 is shown to be unwarranted on the evidence available. Grave doubt is thrown on the supposition that temperature is the controlling factor in determining the type of optics by Tuttle and Bowen's failure to synthesize low-temperature albite, even at low temperatures. It is known, however, that some low-temperature plagioclases (e.g. in albite-schists) have grown without the intervention of melt. The real antithesis may therefore be between plagioclases crystallized from melts, and those developed during the metamorphic reconstitution of rocks.From the fact that the plagioclase, quartz, and alkali feldspar of undoubted magmatic rocks such as quartz-porphyry and rhyolite are respectively systematically different from those of granite it is concluded that the latter is a metamorphic rock