Iolite and Steatite Optical Properties

Iolite

Steatite

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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

1.52-1.561.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Iolite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Iolite and Steatite 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.