Rhodochrosite and Steatite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.2200.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Rhodochrosite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Steatite 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.