Cordierite Iolite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Cordierite Iolite

Omphacite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.542-1.5781.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.012Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Cordierite Iolite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Iolite Vs Dumortierite

Cordierite Iolite Vs Falcons Eye

Cordierite Iolite Vs Elbaite

Cordierite Iolite and Omphacite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite Iolite and Omphacite 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.