Spinel and Nephrite Optical Properties

Spinel

Nephrite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Greasy

Pleochroism

Absent

None

Dispersion

0.020.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Translucent

Refractive Index

1.731.600-1.627

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Isometric

monoclinic

Birefringence

-99990.027

0 0.296

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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Translucent

Spinel and Nephrite Optic Character

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

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