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Alexandrite and Spessartine Optical Properties


Spessartine and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Not Available   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
0.03   
15

Transparency
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.739-1.770   
1.789-1.820   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Isometric   

Birefringence
0.007-0.010   
0.027   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Alexandrite and Spessartine Optic Character

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

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Alexandrite and Spessartine Transparency

Similar to their colors, Alexandrite and Spessartine 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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