Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Chrysoberyl

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

X = red; Y = yellow-orange; Z = emerald-green

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.746-1.7631.739-1.770

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.007-0.0130.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite Optic Character

Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite 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 Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite 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. Chrysoberyl has Biaxial/+ character.Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite 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, Chrysoberyl is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Chrysoberyl is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.