Omphacite and Anthophyllite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Anthophyllite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

When Fe-rich

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.603-1.690

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Transparent

Omphacite and Anthophyllite Optic Character

Omphacite and Anthophyllite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Omphacite and Anthophyllite 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 Omphacite and Anthophyllite 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. Anthophyllite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Omphacite and Anthophyllite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Anthophyllite 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, Omphacite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TranslucentAnthony et al while Omphacite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TranslucentAnthony et al in appearance.