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Cordierite Iolite and Howlite Optical Properties


Howlite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish   
NilArthur Thomas   

Dispersion
0.02   
22
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.542-1.578   
1.583-1.608   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Not Available   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.008-0.012   
0.019   

Clarity
Transparent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

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Cordierite Iolite and Howlite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite Iolite and Howlite 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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