Enstatite and Steatite Optical Properties

Enstatite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green to pale orange

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.650-1.6801.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.009-0.0110.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Enstatite and Steatite Optic Character

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

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