Variscite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Variscite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.590-1.629

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

0.0310.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Variscite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Variscite 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, Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent while Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent in appearance.