Steatite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Steatite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Gemmological Tables (2004)

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.046-0.050Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TranslucentAnthony et al

Steatite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Omphacite 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.