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Nephrite
Nephrite

Elbaite
Elbaite



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Nephrite
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Elbaite

Nephrite and Elbaite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
Vitreous

Pleochroism

None
Pale green

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
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Transparency

Translucent
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.600-1.6271.614-1.666
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.0270.014-0.032
0 0.296
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Clarity

Translucent
Transparent

Nephrite and Elbaite Optic Character

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

Nephrite and Elbaite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Nephrite and Elbaite 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, Nephrite is Translucent while Nephrite is Translucent in appearance.