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Garnet and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Garnet Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
None   
Not Available   

Dispersion
0.02   
16
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Transparent to translucent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
1.730-1.895   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Garnet and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Garnet 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, Garnet is Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Garnet is Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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