Dumortierite and Hibonite Optical Properties

Dumortierite

Hibonite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong; X = deep blue or violet; Y = yellow to red-violet or nearly colorless; Z = colorless or very pale blue

O = brownish gray; E = gray

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Translucent to opaque

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.669-1.7231.79-1.807

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.011-0.037Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Dumortierite and Hibonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Dumortierite and Hibonite 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, Dumortierite is Translucent and Translucent to opaque while Dumortierite is Translucent and Translucent to opaque in appearance.