Omphacite and Steatite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Steatite

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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)

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Omphacite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Steatite 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.