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Serpentine and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Serpentine Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Greasy, Silky   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.560-1.571   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.008-0.014   
0.031   

Clarity
Translucent   
Translucent   

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Serpentine and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Serpentine and Variscite 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.

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