Anhydrite and Rock Crystal Optical Properties

Anhydrite

Rock Crystal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Pearly, Greasy

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

For violet varieties

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.570-1.6141.544-1.553

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.042-0.0440.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentWalter Schumann

Anhydrite and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Anhydrite and Rock Crystal 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, Anhydrite is Transparent while Anhydrite is Transparent in appearance.