Omphacite and Hessonite Garnet Optical Properties

Omphacite

Hessonite Garnet

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

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

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.72-1.75

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Isometric

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Color grading system

Omphacite and Hessonite Garnet Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Hessonite Garnet 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.