Iolite and Hessonite Optical Properties

Iolite

Hessonite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.742-1.748

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Iolite and Hessonite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Taurus » More

Iolite Vs Quartz Rose

Iolite Vs Carnelian

Iolite Vs Chrysocolla

» More

More Compare Gems for Taurus

Iolite and Hessonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Hessonite 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.