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Apatite
Apatite

Steatite
Steatite



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Apatite
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Steatite

Apatite and Steatite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
-

Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong
-

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
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Transparency

-
-

Refractive Index

1.628-1.6511.539-1.596
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Hexagonal
-

Birefringence

0.002-0.0080.046-0.050
0 0.296
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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Apatite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Apatite and Steatite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Apatite and Steatite 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, Apatite is while Apatite is in appearance.