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Agate and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Agate Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
Absent   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.530-1.543   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.004   
0.031   

Clarity
Translucent   
Translucent   

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Agate and Variscite Optic Character

Agate and Variscite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Agate 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 Agate 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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Agate and Variscite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Agate 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, Agate is Translucent while Agate is Translucent in appearance.

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