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Forsterite and Omphacite Optical Properties


Omphacite and Forsterite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
colorless.   
Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)   

Refractive Index
1.635-1.671   
1.662-1.723   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.033-0.042   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
TranslucentAnthony et al   

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Forsterite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Forsterite 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, Forsterite is Transparent while Forsterite is Transparent in appearance.

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Green Gemstones


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