Steatite and Augite Optical Properties

Steatite

Augite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous, Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Gemmological Tables (2004)

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.671-1.774

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: C 2/c

1.8 Birefringence

0.046-0.050Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Transparent

Steatite and Augite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Augite 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 Gemmological Tables (2004) while Steatite is Gemmological Tables (2004) in appearance.