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Moonstone and Petalite Optical Properties


Petalite and Moonstone Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Pearly   
Vitreous, Pearly   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
None   
0.01   
25

Transparency
Transparent, Transparent to translucent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.518-1.527   
1.502-1.523   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.006-0.007   
0.012-0.016   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Moonstone and Petalite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Moonstone and Petalite 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, Moonstone is Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Moonstone is Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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