Cassiterite and Bowenite Optical Properties

Cassiterite

Bowenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine, Greasy

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Pleochroic haloes have been observed. Dichroic in yellow

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.07NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.990-2.1051.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

tetragonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.096-0.098Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Cassiterite and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cassiterite and Bowenite 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.