Iolite and Mellite Optical Properties

Iolite

Mellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.509-1.541

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.030

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Iolite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Mellite 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.