  We use the separation of variables and T-matrix methods to calculate the
optical properties of homogeneous spheroids with refractive indices from m =
1.3+0.0i up to 3+4i.
  It is found that the extinction cross-sections for highly absorbing spheroids
are normally 1.5 -- 2 times larger than those for spheres of the same volume.
  The albedo of the non-spherical particles rather slightly depends on the
particle shape and is mainly determined by the imaginary part of the refractive
index.
  Beginning at some size, the spheroidal particles do not polarize the
transmitted radiation independent of their shape.
  We also suggest a new approach for axisymmetric particles which would combine
the strong aspects of both methods mentioned above and give several values of
the cross-sections as benchmarks in tabular form.
