Spodumene and Omphacite Optical Properties

Spodumene

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong in kunzite: α-purple

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.657-1.6811.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.018Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Gems

TranslucentAnthony et al

Spodumene and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Spodumene and Omphacite 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.