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Pyrophyllite
Pyrophyllite

Mellite
Mellite



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Pyrophyllite
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Mellite

Pyrophyllite and Mellite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

Dispersion

0.050.01
0.005 1
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Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.534-1.6011.509-1.541
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
-

Birefringence

0.0500.030
0 0.296
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Clarity

Translucent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Pyrophyllite and Mellite Optic Character

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

Pyrophyllite and Mellite Transparency

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