Thulite and Steatite Optical Properties

Thulite

Steatite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Opaque, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.6951.539-1.596

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.046-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Thulite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Thulite and Steatite 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, Thulite is Opaque, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. and Translucent while Thulite is Opaque, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. and Translucent in appearance.