Elbaite and Schorl Optical Properties

Elbaite

Schorl

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Very strong: yellow-brown pale yellow

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.635-1.672

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0320.025

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Elbaite and Schorl Optic Character

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

Elbaite Vs Gahnospinel

Elbaite Vs Hackmanite

Elbaite and Schorl Transparency

Similar to their colors, Elbaite and Schorl 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.