Staurolite and Howlite Optical Properties

Staurolite

Howlite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Resinous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

X = colorless; Y = pale yellow; Z = golden yellow

NilArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.736-1.7621.583-1.608

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.009-0.0150.019

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Staurolite and Howlite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Staurolite and Howlite 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, Staurolite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references while Staurolite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references in appearance.