Rhodochrosite and Lepidocrocite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Lepidocrocite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

Strong; X = colorless to yellow; Y = orange

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.940

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.220Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

Not Available

Rhodochrosite and Lepidocrocite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Lepidocrocite 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, Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque while Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque in appearance.