Antigorite and Bowenite Optical Properties

Antigorite

Bowenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

pale greenish yellow.

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5751.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Monoclinic Domatic H-M Symbol (m) Space Group: Cm

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Antigorite and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Antigorite and Bowenite 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, Antigorite is Translucent while Antigorite is Translucent in appearance.