Augite and Variscite Optical Properties

Augite

Variscite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Vitreous, Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

MissingWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.671-1.7741.560-1.594

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 Available0.031

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Augite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Augite and Variscite 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.