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Nephrite
Nephrite

Hercynite
Hercynite



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Nephrite
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Hercynite

Nephrite and Hercynite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
Vitreous

Pleochroism

None
-

Dispersion

0.010.03
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Translucent

Refractive Index

1.600-1.6271.80-1.83
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Isometric Hexoctahedral H-M Symbol (4/m 3 2/m) Space Group: F d3m

Birefringence

0.027-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
Translucent

Nephrite and Hercynite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Nephrite and Hercynite 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.