If many grains in a rock undergo the same rotation, a lattice preferred orientation (LPO) develops. LPO's are non-random orientation of crystals produced by dislocation glide. In thin section, an LPO is often visible as large areas of similar birefringence. The strength of a preferred orientation depends on the magnitude of strain, although it may reach a maximum at quite low strains. The strength of an LPOs can thus be used as a qualitative guide to strain magnitude.

The shape of the LPO that develops depends on the slip systems that are operating. Quartz for example, undergoes basal glide at low temperatures (slip along the {0001} plane in any of the 3 a directions), prism slip at moderate temperatures (slip along the prism planes in any of the 3 a directions), and c-slip at high temperatures (slip along the prism planes in any of the c direction). Specific LPOs can thus be used as a guide to deformation temperature. The symmetry of the LPO that develops depends on whether the deformation history is coaxial or noncoaxial. LPOs that are symmetrical with respect to the foliation and lineation develop from coaxial deformation histories, and those that are asymmetrical develop from noncoaxial deformation histories.