Hematite and Steatite Optical Properties

Hematite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

2.690-3.2201.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.2800.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Hematite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Hematite 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, Hematite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references and OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli while Hematite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references and OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli in appearance.