Omphacite and Nephrite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Nephrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

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

None

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.600-1.627

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.027

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Translucent

Omphacite and Nephrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Nephrite 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.