Omphacite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Cordierite Iolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

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

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.542-1.578

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.008-0.012

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Transparent

Omphacite and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

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

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Omphacite and Cordierite Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Cordierite Iolite 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.