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Alexandrite and Herderite Optical Properties


Herderite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Not Available   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.739-1.770   
1.587-1.642   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.007-0.010   
0.028-0.032   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Alexandrite and Herderite Optic Character

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

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Alexandrite and Herderite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Alexandrite and Herderite 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.

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