Variscite and Sillimanite Optical Properties

Variscite

Sillimanite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

Colourless to pale brown to yellow

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.653-1.685

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0310.020-0.022

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Variscite and Sillimanite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Variscite and Sillimanite 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.