Caledonite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Caledonite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

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

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.818-1.9091.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0910.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Caledonite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Caledonite 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, Caledonite is Transparent while Caledonite is Transparent in appearance.