Dravite and Steatite Optical Properties

Dravite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Very strong: pale yellow colorless

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal Ditrigonal Pyramidal H-M Symbol (3m) Space Group: R 3m

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0320.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Dravite and Steatite Optic Character

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

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Dravite and Steatite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Dravite and Steatite 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, Dravite is Transparent while Dravite is Transparent in appearance.