Diamond and Sapphire Optical Properties

Diamond

Sapphire

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Strong

1.3 Dispersion

0.040.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

2.417-2.4191.762-1.788

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.008-0.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Diamond and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Compare Birthstones » More

Diamond Vs Sapphire

Diamond Vs Ruby

Diamond Vs Coral

» More

More Compare Birthstones

Diamond and Sapphire Transparency

Similar to their colors, Diamond and Sapphire 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, Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.