Augite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Augite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7741.662-1.723

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

TranslucentAnthony et al

Augite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Augite and Omphacite 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.