Omphacite and Glaucophane Optical Properties

Omphacite

Glaucophane

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

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

Strong

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.606-1.637

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Not Available

Omphacite and Glaucophane Optic Character

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

Compare Green Gemstones

Omphacite Vs Pleonaste

Omphacite Vs Powellite

Omphacite Vs Prase Opal

Omphacite and Glaucophane Transparency

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Glaucophane 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.