Andalusite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Andalusite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

strongly trichroic

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.627-1.6501.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.009-0.0100.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Andalusite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Andalusite and Catapleiite 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, Andalusite is Translucent and Transparent while Andalusite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.