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Sillimanite
Sillimanite

Variscite
Variscite



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Sillimanite
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Variscite

Sillimanite and Variscite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky
Vitreous, Waxy

Pleochroism

Colourless to pale brown to yellow
-

Dispersion

0.020.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

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

Refractive Index

1.653-1.6851.560-1.594
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.020-0.0220.031
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Translucent

Sillimanite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Sillimanite and Variscite Transparency

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