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Andalusite
Andalusite

Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell



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Andalusite
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Tortoiseshell

Andalusite and Tortoiseshell Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
-

Pleochroism

strongly trichroic
-

Dispersion

0.020.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.627-1.6501.540-1.560
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
-

Birefringence

0.009-0.010-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Andalusite and Tortoiseshell Optic Character

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

Andalusite and Tortoiseshell Transparency

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