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Variscite
Variscite

Steatite
Steatite



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Variscite
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Steatite

Variscite and Steatite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Waxy
-

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

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

Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.539-1.596
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
-

Birefringence

0.0310.046-0.050
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Variscite and Steatite Optic Character

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

Variscite and Steatite Transparency

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