Pyrophyllite and Foitite Optical Properties

Pyrophyllite

Foitite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

NilArthur Thomas

Strong: pale lavender dark blueAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.534-1.601Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Trigonal Ditrigonal Pyramidal H-M Symbol (3m) Space Group: R 3m

1.8 Birefringence

0.050Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Pyrophyllite and Foitite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Pyrophyllite and Foitite 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, Pyrophyllite is Translucent while Pyrophyllite is Translucent in appearance.