Anthophyllite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Anthophyllite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

When Fe-rich

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.603-1.6901.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Anthophyllite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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Anthophyllite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Anthophyllite 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, Anthophyllite is Transparent while Anthophyllite is Transparent in appearance.