Dioptase and Zoisite Optical Properties

Dioptase

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak; dark emerald green

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.040.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.644-1.7201.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.051-0.0530.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Dioptase and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Dioptase 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, Dioptase is TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli while Dioptase is TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli in appearance.