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Apatite
Apatite

Alexandrite
Alexandrite



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Apatite
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Alexandrite

Apatite and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong
-

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

Refractive Index

1.628-1.6511.739-1.770
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
Biaxial/+

Crystal System

Hexagonal
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.002-0.0080.007-0.010
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Apatite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Apatite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Apatite 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, Apatite is while Apatite is in appearance.