Elbaite and Kunzite Optical Properties

Elbaite

Kunzite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Strong trichroism: colorless pink violetHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.657-1.681

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0320.014-0.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Elbaite and Kunzite Optic Character

Elbaite and Kunzite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Elbaite and Kunzite 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 Elbaite and Kunzite 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 Blue Gemstones

Elbaite Vs Hackmanite

Elbaite Vs Gahnospinel

Elbaite Vs Gahnite

Elbaite and Kunzite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Elbaite and Kunzite 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, Elbaite is Transparent while Elbaite is Transparent in appearance.