Cordierite and Dumortierite Optical Properties

Cordierite

Dumortierite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

X = pale yellow

Strong; X = deep blue or violet; Y = yellow to red-violet or nearly colorless; Z = colorless or very pale blue

1.3 Dispersion

NANone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

Translucent, Translucent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

Not Available1.669-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.011-0.037

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

Translucent

Cordierite and Dumortierite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Dumortierite 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.