Iolite and Herderite Optical Properties

Iolite

Herderite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.587-1.642

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.028-0.032

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

Transparent

Iolite and Herderite Optic Character

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

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Iolite and Herderite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Herderite 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.