Dumortierite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Dumortierite

Zoisite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong; X = deep blue or violet; Y = yellow to red-violet or nearly colorless; Z = colorless or very pale blue

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

1.3 Dispersion

None0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Translucent to opaque

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.669-1.7231.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.011-0.0370.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Dumortierite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Leo » More

Dumortierite Vs Sunstone

Dumortierite Vs Rhodochrosite

Dumortierite Vs Aqua Aura

» More

More Compare Gems for Leo

Dumortierite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Dumortierite 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, Dumortierite is Translucent and Translucent to opaque while Dumortierite is Translucent and Translucent to opaque in appearance.