Sodalite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Sodalite

Cordierite Iolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.478-1.4881.542-1.578

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.008-0.012

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Sodalite and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

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

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