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Calcite
Calcite

Zoisite
Zoisite



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X
Calcite
X
Zoisite

Calcite and Zoisite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

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

Dispersion

0.150.02
0.005 1
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Transparency

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

Refractive Index

1.486-1.6581.685-1.707
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.154-0.1740.006-0.018
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Calcite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Calcite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Calcite 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, Calcite is Transparent and Translucent while Calcite is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.