Anthophyllite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Anthophyllite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

When Fe-rich

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.603-1.6901.662-1.723

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 Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Anthophyllite and Omphacite 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.