Phenakite and Bowenite Optical Properties

Phenakite

Bowenite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

Pleochroism

Distinct: colorless orangy-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Dispersion

0.020.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Refractive Index

1.650-1.6951.530-1.575

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Birefringence

0.016-9999

0 0.296

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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Phenakite and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Phenakite and Bowenite 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, Phenakite is while Phenakite is in appearance.