Schorl and Steatite Optical Properties

Schorl

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Very strong: yellow-brown pale yellow

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.635-1.6721.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.0250.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Schorl and Steatite Optic Character

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

Compare Black Gemstones

Schorl Vs Xenotime

Schorl Vs Snowflake Obsidian

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Schorl and Steatite Transparency

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