Cordierite and Proustite Optical Properties

Cordierite

Proustite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

X = pale yellow

Moderate; cochineal-red to blood-red

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) Rarely transparentMore from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

Not Available2.792-3.087

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.295-0.296

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Cordierite and Proustite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Proustite 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.