Rhodochrosite and Petalite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Petalite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.502-1.523

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.2200.012-0.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Rhodochrosite and Petalite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Petalite 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.