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Alexandrite
Alexandrite

Afghanite
Afghanite



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Alexandrite
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Afghanite

Alexandrite and Afghanite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.020.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.739-1.7701.523
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

Biaxial/+
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.007-0.0100.006
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Alexandrite and Afghanite Optic Character

Alexandrite and Afghanite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Alexandrite and Afghanite 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 Alexandrite and Afghanite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

Alexandrite and Afghanite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Alexandrite and Afghanite 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, Alexandrite is Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque while Alexandrite is Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque in appearance.