Bowenite and Nephrite Optical Properties

Bowenite

Nephrite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

Vitreous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

None

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5751.600-1.627

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.027

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Translucent

Bowenite and Nephrite Optic Character

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

Compare Green Gemstones

Bowenite Vs Ceylonite

Bowenite Vs Chalcopyrite

Bowenite Vs Chlorapatite

Bowenite and Nephrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Bowenite 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, Bowenite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) and TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli while Bowenite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) and TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli in appearance.