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Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite Optical Properties


Benitoite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish   
O = colorless; E = purple   

Dispersion
0.02   
22
0.04   
11

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.542-1.578   
1.757-1.804   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Not Available   
Hexagonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.012   
0.047   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite Optic Character

Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite 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 Iolite and Benitoite 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 Iolite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite Iolite and Benitoite 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 Iolite is Transparent while Cordierite Iolite is Transparent in appearance.

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