Hibonite and Steatite Optical Properties

Hibonite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

O = brownish gray; E = gray

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.79-1.8071.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Hibonite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Hibonite 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, Hibonite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) while Hibonite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) in appearance.