Melanite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Melanite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Subadamantine, Vitreous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.06NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.855-1.8951.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Melanite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Melanite 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, Melanite is Translucent while Melanite is Translucent in appearance.