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Sillimanite
Sillimanite
☒

Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite
☒



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Sillimanite
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Rhodochrosite

Sillimanite and Rhodochrosite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky
Colourless to pale brown to yellow
0.02
Transparent, Translucent
1.653-1.685
-
Orthorhombic
0.020-0.022
Transparent
 
Vitreous
Weak
0.02
Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque
1.60
-
Trigonal
0.208-0.220
Transparent to nearly opaque

Sillimanite and Rhodochrosite Optic Character

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

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