Benitoite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Benitoite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

O = colorless; E = purple

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.04NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.757-1.8041.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.0470.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Benitoite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Benitoite and Catapleiite 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, Benitoite is Transparent while Benitoite is Transparent in appearance.