Serpentine and Hercynite Optical Properties

Serpentine

Hercynite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Greasy, Silky

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5711.80-1.83

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Isometric Hexoctahedral H-M Symbol (4/m 3 2/m) Space Group: F d3m

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.014Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Serpentine and Hercynite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Serpentine and Hercynite 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.