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Cassiterite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Cassiterite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine, Greasy  
Vitreous, Waxy  

Pleochroism
Pleochroic haloes have been observed. Dichroic in yellow  
-  

Dispersion
0.07  
18
0.01  
99+

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

Refractive Index
1.990-2.105  
1.560-1.594  

Optic Character
-  
-  

Crystal System
tetragonal  
Orthorhombic  

Birefringence
0.096-0.098  
0.031  

Clarity
Transparent  
Translucent  

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Cassiterite and Variscite Optic Character

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

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

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