Forsterite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Forsterite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

colorless.

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.635-1.6711.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.033-0.0420.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Forsterite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Forsterite and Zoisite 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, Forsterite is Transparent while Forsterite is Transparent in appearance.