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Steatite
Steatite

Apatite
Apatite



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Steatite
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Apatite

Steatite and Apatite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

-
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Blue stones – strong

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
-

Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.628-1.651
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
Hexagonal

Birefringence

0.046-0.0500.002-0.008
0 0.296
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Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Steatite and Apatite Optic Character

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

Steatite and Apatite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Apatite 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, Steatite is while Steatite is in appearance.