Aquamarine and Topaz Optical Properties

Aquamarine

Topaz

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.570-1.5921.606-1.644

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.005-0.0090.008-0.011

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Aquamarine and Topaz Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Aquamarine and Topaz 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, Aquamarine is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Aquamarine is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.