Bertrandite and Variscite Optical Properties

Bertrandite

Variscite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

none.

MissingWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TransparentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.583-1.6141.560-1.594

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic Pyramidal H-M Symbol (mm2) Space Group: Ccm21

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.031

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentAnthony et al

Translucent

Bertrandite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Bertrandite 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, Bertrandite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al while Bertrandite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al in appearance.