Omphacite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Omphacite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

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

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.662-1.7231.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Transparent

Omphacite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Omphacite and Zoisite 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.