Rhodochrosite and Lepidolite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Lepidolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

X = almost colorless; Y = Z = pink

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.525-1.587

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Triclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.2200.0290-0.0380

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent

Rhodochrosite and Lepidolite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Lepidolite 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.