Cordierite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Cordierite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

X = pale yellow

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

Not Available1.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Cordierite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Catapleiite 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 Not Available while Cordierite is Not Available in appearance.