Anthophyllite and Lizardite Optical Properties

Anthophyllite

Lizardite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

When Fe-rich

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.603-1.6901.538-1.560

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Anthophyllite and Lizardite Optic Character

Anthophyllite and Lizardite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Anthophyllite and Lizardite 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 Anthophyllite and Lizardite 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. Anthophyllite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Anthophyllite and Lizardite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Anthophyllite and Lizardite 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, Anthophyllite is Transparent while Anthophyllite is Transparent in appearance.