Sonolite and Steatite Optical Properties

Sonolite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TransparentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.763-1.7931.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentAnthony et al

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Sonolite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sonolite and Steatite 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, Sonolite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al while Sonolite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al in appearance.