Augite and Mellite Optical Properties

Augite

Mellite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7741.509-1.541

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 Available0.030

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Augite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Compare Green Gemstones

Augite Vs Boulder Opal

Augite Vs Bloodstone Heliotrope

Augite Vs Blue John

Augite and Mellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Augite and Mellite 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.