Astrophyllite and Hercynite Optical Properties

Astrophyllite

Hercynite

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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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.678-1.7581.80-1.83

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Isometric Hexoctahedral H-M Symbol (4/m 3 2/m) Space Group: F d3m

1.8 Birefringence

0.050Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Astrophyllite and Hercynite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Astrophyllite and Hercynite 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.