Phenakite and Williamsite Optical Properties

Phenakite

Williamsite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

Pleochroism

Distinct: colorless orangy-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Dispersion

0.020.03

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 Williamsite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Phenakite and Williamsite 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.