Quartz and Nepheline Optical Properties

Quartz

Nepheline

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Vitreous

None

0.01

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

1.544-1.553

Trigonal

0.009

Opaque

Vitreous, Greasy

0.01

Transparent, Translucent

1.529-1.547

Hexagonal

0.003-0.004

Transparent

Quartz and Nepheline Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Quartz and Nepheline 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, Quartz is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent while Quartz is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.