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Emerald and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Emerald Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
Strong dichroism: yellow green Lazzarelli   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.01   
26
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.565-1.602   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Hexagonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.0040-0.0070   
0.031   

Clarity
Color grading system   
Translucent   

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Emerald and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Emerald and Variscite 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.

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