Iolite and Anthophyllite Optical Properties

Iolite

Anthophyllite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

When Fe-rich

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.603-1.690

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

Transparent

Iolite and Anthophyllite Optic Character

Iolite and Anthophyllite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Iolite and Anthophyllite 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 Iolite and Anthophyllite 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. Anthophyllite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Iolite and Anthophyllite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Anthophyllite 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, Iolite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Iolite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.