Serpentine and Hematite Optical Properties

Serpentine

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Greasy, Silky

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5712.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0140.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Serpentine and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Serpentine and Hematite 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, Serpentine is Translucent while Serpentine is Translucent in appearance.