Chrysoprase and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Chrysoprase

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to nearly opaque

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.739-1.770

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0040.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Chrysoprase and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

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Chrysoprase and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Chrysoprase 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, Chrysoprase is Opaque, Translucent, Translucent and Translucent to nearly opaque while Chrysoprase is Opaque, Translucent, Translucent and Translucent to nearly opaque in appearance.