Augite and Hematite Optical Properties

Augite

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7742.690-3.220

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

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Augite and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Augite and Hematite 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.