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Foitite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Foitite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong: pale lavender dark blueAnthony et al   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
TranslucentAnthony et al, Translucent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
Not Available   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Trigonal Ditrigonal Pyramidal H-M Symbol (3m) Space Group: R 3m   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
TranslucentAnthony et al   
Transparent   

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Foitite and Alexandrite Optic Character

Foitite and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Foitite and Alexandrite 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 Foitite and Alexandrite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Foitite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Foitite and Alexandrite 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, Foitite is Translucent and TranslucentAnthony et al while Foitite is Translucent and TranslucentAnthony et al in appearance.

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