Astrophyllite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Astrophyllite

Omphacite

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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

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.678-1.7581.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.050Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Astrophyllite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Astrophyllite and Omphacite 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.