Iolite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Iolite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.561.662-1.723

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

TranslucentAnthony et al

Iolite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Omphacite 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.