Augite and Bowenite Optical Properties

Augite

Bowenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7741.530-1.575

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

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Augite and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Augite and Bowenite 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.