Atacamite and Antigorite Optical Properties

Atacamite

Antigorite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine, Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green

pale greenish yellow.

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.8311.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Monoclinic Domatic H-M Symbol (m) Space Group: Cm

1.8 Birefringence

0.049Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

Translucent

Atacamite and Antigorite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Atacamite and Antigorite 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, Atacamite is Not Available while Atacamite is Not Available in appearance.