×

Lepidolite
Lepidolite

Mellite
Mellite



ADD
Compare
X
Lepidolite
X
Mellite

Lepidolite and Mellite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

X = almost colorless; Y = Z = pink
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent
-

Refractive Index

1.525-1.5871.509-1.541
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Triclinic
-

Birefringence

0.0290-0.03800.030
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Lepidolite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Lepidolite and Mellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Lepidolite 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, Lepidolite is Transparent while Lepidolite is Transparent in appearance.