Cordierite Iolite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Cordierite Iolite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.542-1.5781.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0120.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Cordierite Iolite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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Cordierite Iolite and Zoisite Transparency

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