Serpentine and Mellite Optical Properties

Serpentine

Mellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Greasy, Silky

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5711.509-1.541

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0140.030

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Serpentine and Mellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Serpentine and Mellite 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.