Apatite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Apatite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.628-1.6511.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.002-0.0080.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Transparent

Apatite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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Apatite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Apatite 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, Apatite is Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references while Apatite is Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references in appearance.