Cordierite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Cordierite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy, Vitreous

Vitreous

1.2 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

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Not Available

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

1.5 Refractive Index

Not Available1.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Not Available

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.

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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 Not Available while Cordierite is Not Available in appearance.