Iolite and Lepidolite Optical Properties

Iolite

Lepidolite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

X = almost colorless; Y = Z = pink

Dispersion

0.020.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.525-1.587

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Triclinic

Birefringence

-99990.0290-0.0380

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent to translucent

Transparent

Iolite and Lepidolite Optic Character

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

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