Astrophyllite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Astrophyllite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: X= deep red-orange Y= orange-yellow Z= lemon-yellow

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.678-1.7581.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.0500.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Astrophyllite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Astrophyllite and Catapleiite 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, Astrophyllite is Translucent while Astrophyllite is Translucent in appearance.