Elbaite and Bowenite Optical Properties

Elbaite

Bowenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.032Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Elbaite and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Elbaite and Bowenite 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, Elbaite is Transparent while Elbaite is Transparent in appearance.