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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  
-  

Dispersion
0.01  
99+
0.01  
99+

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
-  
-  

Crystal System
Hexagonal  
Orthorhombic  

Birefringence
0.0040-0.0070  
0.031  

Clarity
-  
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 Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent while Emerald is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.

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