Omphacite and Phenakite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Phenakite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

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

Distinct: colorless orangy-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.650-1.695

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Omphacite and Phenakite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Phenakite 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.