1. the property of certain crystals and minerals to exhibit different colors when viewed from different directions
Usage: mineralogy; crystallography

Examples

• The tourmaline crystal displayed striking pleochroism, appearing green from one angle and pink from another.
• Geologists use pleochroism to help identify certain minerals in thin sections.
• The gemstone’s pleochroism made it particularly valuable to collectors.
• Under polarized light, the mineral’s pleochroism became clearly visible.
• Cordierite is known for its strong pleochroism, shifting from blue to yellow.
• The optical properties of the crystal included both birefringence and pleochroism.