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Cordierite
Cordierite

Zoisite
Zoisite



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X
Cordierite
X
Zoisite

Cordierite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Greasy, Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

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

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
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Transparency

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

Refractive Index

-99991.685-1.707
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Orthorhombic
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

-99990.006-0.018
0 0.296
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Clarity

-
Transparent

Cordierite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Cordierite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Cordierite 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, Cordierite is while Cordierite is in appearance.