Home
Gemstones


Thulite and Steatite Optical Properties


Steatite and Thulite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Not Available   

Pleochroism
Present   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Opaque, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.   
Gemmological Tables (2004)   

Refractive Index
1.695   
1.539-1.596   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.006-0.018   
0.046-0.050   

Clarity
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

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.

Compare Red Gemstones

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.

Red Gemstones

Red Gemstones


Compare Red Gemstones