Emerald and Nephrite Optical Properties

Emerald

Nephrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong dichroism: yellow green Lazzarelli

None

1.3 Dispersion

0.01NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.565-1.6021.600-1.627

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0040-0.00700.027

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Color grading system

Translucent

Emerald and Nephrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Emerald and Nephrite 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, Emerald is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Emerald is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.