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Astrophyllite and Steatite Optical Properties


Steatite and Astrophyllite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Greasy, Pearly   
Not Available   

Pleochroism
Strong: X= deep red-orange Y= orange-yellow Z= lemon-yellow   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Gemmological Tables (2004)   

Refractive Index
1.678-1.758   
1.539-1.596   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Triclinic   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.050   
0.046-0.050   

Clarity
Translucent   
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Astrophyllite and Steatite Optic Character

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

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Astrophyllite and Steatite Transparency

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

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