Chrysoprase and Nephrite Optical Properties

Chrysoprase

Nephrite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous, Greasy

Pleochroism

None

Dispersion

0.010.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to nearly opaque

Translucent

Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.600-1.627

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

Birefringence

0.0040.027

0 0.296

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Clarity

Translucent

Chrysoprase and Nephrite Optic Character

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

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