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Spodumene and Mellite Optical Properties


Mellite and Spodumene Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong in kunzite: α-purple   
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al   

Dispersion
0.02   
22
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.657-1.681   
1.509-1.541   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.014-0.018   
0.030   

Clarity
Gems   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Spodumene and Mellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Spodumene and Mellite 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, Spodumene is Transparent while Spodumene is Transparent in appearance.

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