Goethite and Hematite Optical Properties

Goethite

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

VisibleArthur Thomas

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Gemstones (2009)

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

2.26-2.3982.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.1380.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Gemstones (2009)

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Goethite and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Goethite and Hematite 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, Goethite is Gemstones (2009) while Goethite is Gemstones (2009) in appearance.