Pyrargyrite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Pyrargyrite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Distinct

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

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

2.881-3.0841.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.203Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Pyrargyrite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Pyrargyrite and Omphacite 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, Pyrargyrite is Translucent while Pyrargyrite is Translucent in appearance.