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Apatite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Apatite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous  
Vitreous, Waxy  

Pleochroism
Blue stones – strong  
-  

Dispersion
0.01  
99+
0.01  
99+

Transparency
-  
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.  

Refractive Index
1.628-1.651  
1.560-1.594  

Optic Character
-  
-  

Crystal System
Hexagonal  
Orthorhombic  

Birefringence
0.002-0.008  
0.031  

Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda  
Translucent  

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Apatite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Apatite and Variscite 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.

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