Benitoite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Benitoite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

O = colorless; E = purple

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.04NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.757-1.8041.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.047Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Benitoite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

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