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Benitoite and Nephrite Optical Properties


Nephrite and Benitoite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Greasy   

Pleochroism
O = colorless; E = purple   
None   

Dispersion
0.04   
11
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Translucent   

Refractive Index
1.757-1.804   
1.600-1.627   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Hexagonal   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.047   
0.027   

Clarity
Transparent   
Translucent   

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Benitoite and Nephrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Benitoite and Nephrite 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.

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