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Nephrite
Nephrite

Lepidocrocite
Lepidocrocite



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X
Nephrite
X
Lepidocrocite

Nephrite and Lepidocrocite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
-

Pleochroism

None
Strong; X = colorless to yellow; Y = orange

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.600-1.6271.940
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.027-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
-

Nephrite and Lepidocrocite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Nephrite and Lepidocrocite 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.