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Cordierite
Cordierite

Axinite
Axinite



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Cordierite
X
Axinite

Cordierite and Axinite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Greasy, Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

X = pale yellow
Strong

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
-

Refractive Index

-99991.656-1.704
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
Biaxial/+

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Triclinic

Birefringence

-99990.009-0.012
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

-
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Cordierite and Axinite Optic Character

Cordierite and Axinite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Cordierite and Axinite 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 Cordierite and Axinite 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. Axinite has Biaxial/+ character.

Cordierite and Axinite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Axinite 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, Cordierite is while Cordierite is in appearance.