Sodalite and Foitite Optical Properties

Sodalite

Foitite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Strong: pale lavender dark blueAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque

TranslucentAnthony et al, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.478-1.488Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Trigonal Ditrigonal Pyramidal H-M Symbol (3m) Space Group: R 3m

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Sodalite and Foitite Optic Character

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

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Sodalite and Foitite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sodalite and Foitite 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.