Cassiterite and Bertrandite Optical Properties

Cassiterite

Bertrandite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine, Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pleochroic haloes have been observed. Dichroic in yellow

none.

1.3 Dispersion

0.07NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TransparentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.990-2.1051.583-1.614

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

tetragonal

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

1.8 Birefringence

0.096-0.098Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentAnthony et al

Cassiterite and Bertrandite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cassiterite and Bertrandite 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, Cassiterite is Translucent and Transparent while Cassiterite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.