×

Elbaite
Elbaite

Mellite
Mellite



ADD
Compare
X
Elbaite
X
Mellite

Elbaite and Mellite Optical Properties

Add ⊕

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

Pale green
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

Dispersion

0.020.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent
-

Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.509-1.541
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
-

Birefringence

0.014-0.0320.030
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Elbaite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Elbaite and Mellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Elbaite and Mellite 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.