Spinel and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Spinel

Cordierite Iolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Absent

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.731.542-1.578

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Isometric

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.008-0.012

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Transparent

Spinel and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

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

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