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Steatite
Steatite

Nephrite
Nephrite



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Steatite
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Nephrite

Steatite and Nephrite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

-
Vitreous, Greasy

Pleochroism

-
None

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Translucent

Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.600-1.627
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
monoclinic

Birefringence

0.046-0.0500.027
0 0.296
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Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Translucent

Steatite and Nephrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Nephrite 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.