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Actinolite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Actinolite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
moderate   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.613-1.628   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.0250-0.0270   
0.031   

Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   
Translucent   

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Actinolite and Variscite Optic Character

Actinolite and Variscite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Actinolite and Variscite Physical Properties like crystallographic symmetry, pleochroism,etc. in the crystal. Some of the optical properties are refractive index, luster, optic character, pleochroism etc. Prominent among these is Actinolite and Variscite optic character. You might have noticed your gemologist rotating the gemstone while testing it. Rotating a gemstone along its optic axis helps in determining its optic character.

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Actinolite and Variscite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Actinolite and Variscite transparency can also be used as criteria for their primary identification. Although transparency cannot be the only criteria for gemstone identification, it can efficiently used in gemstone grading. Talking about their transparency, Actinolite is Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references and TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda while Actinolite is Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references and TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda in appearance.

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