Thomsonite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Thomsonite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

NilArthur Thomas

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.510-1.5501.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.015-0.0200.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Thomsonite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Thomsonite and Catapleiite 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, Thomsonite is Translucent while Thomsonite is Translucent in appearance.