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Nephrite and Hibonite Optical Properties


Hibonite and Nephrite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Greasy   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
None   
O = brownish gray; E = gray   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Handbook of mineralogy (2001)   

Refractive Index
1.600-1.627   
1.79-1.807   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
Hexagonal   

Birefringence
0.027   
Not Available   

Clarity
Translucent   
Handbook of mineralogy (2001)   

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Nephrite and Hibonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Nephrite and Hibonite 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.

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