Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Smoky Quartz

Cordierite Iolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.544-1.5531.542-1.578

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.0090.008-0.012

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Opaque

Transparent

Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite 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 Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite 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. Cordierite Iolite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Smoky Quartz and Cordierite Iolite 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, Smoky Quartz is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Smoky Quartz is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.