Enstatite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Enstatite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green to pale orange

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.650-1.6801.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.009-0.011Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Enstatite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Enstatite and Omphacite 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, Enstatite is Translucent and Transparent while Enstatite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.