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Sillimanite
Sillimanite

Hematite
Hematite



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Sillimanite
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Hematite

Sillimanite and Hematite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky
-

Pleochroism

Colourless to pale brown to yellow
O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

Dispersion

0.020.05
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Refractive Index

1.653-1.6852.690-3.220
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.020-0.0220.280
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Sillimanite and Hematite Optic Character

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

Sillimanite and Hematite Transparency

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