Andradite Garnet and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Andradite Garnet

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to opaque

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.888-1.8891.739-1.770

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Isometric

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to opaque

Transparent

Andradite Garnet and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Andradite Garnet and Alexandrite 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, Andradite Garnet is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Andradite Garnet is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.