×

Alexandrite
Alexandrite

Ruby
Ruby



ADD
Compare
X
Alexandrite
X
Ruby

Alexandrite and Ruby Optical Properties

Add ⊕

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous, Adamantine

Pleochroism

-
Strong: purplish-red

Dispersion

0.020.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Refractive Index

1.739-1.7701.762-1.778
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

Biaxial/+
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.007-0.0100.008
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Alexandrite and Ruby Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Alexandrite and Ruby 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.