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Chrysoberyl and Topaz Optical Properties


Topaz and Chrysoberyl Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

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

Dispersion
0.02   
24
0.01   
26

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.746-1.763   
1.606-1.644   

Optic Character
Biaxial/+   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.007-0.013   
0.008-0.011   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Chrysoberyl and Topaz Optic Character

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

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Chrysoberyl and Topaz Transparency

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

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