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Benitoite and Kunzite Optical Properties


Kunzite and Benitoite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
O = colorless; E = purple   
Strong trichroism: colorless pink violetHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   

Dispersion
0.04   
11
0.02   
22

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.757-1.804   
1.657-1.681   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Hexagonal   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.047   
0.014-0.016   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Benitoite and Kunzite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Benitoite and Kunzite 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, Benitoite is Transparent while Benitoite is Transparent in appearance.

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