Clinozoisite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Clinozoisite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

StrongArthur Thomas

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.670-1.7341.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

monoclinic

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0110.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Clinozoisite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Clinozoisite and Zoisite 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, Clinozoisite is Transparent while Clinozoisite is Transparent in appearance.