Clinozoisite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Clinozoisite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

StrongArthur Thomas

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.670-1.7341.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.011Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Clinozoisite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Clinozoisite and Omphacite 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, Clinozoisite is Transparent while Clinozoisite is Transparent in appearance.