Cordierite and Williamsite Optical Properties

Cordierite

Williamsite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

X = pale yellow

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

Not Available1.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Cordierite and Williamsite Optic Character

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

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite and Williamsite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite and Williamsite 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.