Clinochlore and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Clinochlore

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Pearly, Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Distinct: light yellow-green to light bluE

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.571-1.5971.739-1.770

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: C 2/m

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Clinochlore and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

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Clinochlore and Alexandrite Transparency

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