Moldavite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Moldavite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Absent

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.48-1.541.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Amorphous

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Moldavite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Moldavite and Catapleiite 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, Moldavite is Translucent and Transparent while Moldavite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.