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Steatite
Steatite

Sillimanite
Sillimanite



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Steatite
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Sillimanite

Steatite and Sillimanite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
-
-
0.01
-
1.539-1.596
-
-
0.046-0.050
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
 
Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky
Colourless to pale brown to yellow
0.02
Transparent, Translucent
1.653-1.685
-
Orthorhombic
0.020-0.022
Transparent

Steatite and Sillimanite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Sillimanite 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.