Rhodochrosite and Spodumene Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Spodumene

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

Strong in kunzite: α-purple

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.657-1.681

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.2200.014-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

Gems

Rhodochrosite and Spodumene Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Spodumene 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.