Schorl and Sillimanite Optical Properties

Schorl

Sillimanite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky

1.2 Pleochroism

Very strong: yellow-brown pale yellow

Colourless to pale brown to yellow

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.635-1.6721.653-1.685

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0250.020-0.022

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Schorl and Sillimanite Optic Character

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

Compare Black Gemstones

Schorl Vs Snowflake Obsidian

Schorl Vs Xenotime

Schorl Vs Triplite

Schorl and Sillimanite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Schorl and Sillimanite 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, Schorl is Translucent and Transparent while Schorl is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.