Steatite and Mellite Optical Properties

Steatite

Mellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Gemmological Tables (2004)

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.509-1.541

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.046-0.0500.030

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Steatite and Mellite Optic Character

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

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