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Prehnite and Mellite Optical Properties


Mellite and Prehnite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.611-1.673   
1.509-1.541   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.021-0.033   
0.030   

Clarity
TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Prehnite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Prehnite and Mellite 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, Prehnite is Translucent while Prehnite is Translucent in appearance.

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