Augite and Atacamite Optical Properties

Augite

Atacamite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Adamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

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

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7741.831

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: C 2/c

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.049

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Augite and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Augite and Atacamite 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, Augite is Translucent and Transparent while Augite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.