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Biotite
Biotite

Mellite
Mellite



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Biotite
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Mellite

Biotite and Mellite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Vitreous, Pearly
Strong
-
-
1.565-1.625
-
monoclinic
0.03-0.07
-
 
Vitreous
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al
0.01
-
1.509-1.541
-
-
0.030
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Biotite and Mellite Optic Character

Biotite and Mellite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Biotite Vs Mellite 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 Biotite and Mellite 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.

Biotite and Mellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Biotite and Mellite 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, Biotite is while Biotite is in appearance.