Variscite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Variscite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.031Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Variscite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Variscite and Omphacite 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.