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Cordierite Iolite and Rock Crystal Optical Properties


Rock Crystal and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Not Available   

Pleochroism
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.02   
22
0.01   
27

Transparency
Transparent   
TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.542-1.578   
1.544-1.553   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Not Available   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.008-0.012   
0.009   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentWalter Schumann   

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Cordierite Iolite and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Cordierite Iolite and Rock Crystal 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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