Alexandrite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Alexandrite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.739-1.7701.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.007-0.0100.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Alexandrite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Alexandrite and Zoisite 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.