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Cordierite
Cordierite

Steatite
Steatite



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X
Cordierite
X
Steatite

Cordierite and Steatite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Greasy, Vitreous
X = pale yellow
0.01
-
-9999
-
Orthorhombic
-9999
-
 
-
-
0.01
-
1.539-1.596
-
-
0.046-0.050
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Cordierite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Cordierite and Steatite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Steatite 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.