Cordierite Iolite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Cordierite Iolite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.542-1.5781.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0120.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Cordierite Iolite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite Iolite and Catapleiite 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.