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Omphacite and Iolite Optical Properties


Iolite and Omphacite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   

Refractive Index
1.662-1.723   
1.52-1.56   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Not Available   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
Not Available   

Clarity
TranslucentAnthony et al   
Transparent to translucent   

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Omphacite and Iolite Optic Character

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

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Omphacite and Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and 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.

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Green Gemstones


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