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Steatite
Steatite

Variscite
Variscite



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Steatite
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Variscite

Steatite and Variscite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

-
Vitreous, Waxy

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

Refractive Index

1.539-1.5961.560-1.594
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.046-0.0500.031
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Translucent

Steatite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Variscite 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.