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Hessonite
Hessonite

Alexandrite
Alexandrite



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Hessonite
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Alexandrite

Hessonite and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

-
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.030.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

Refractive Index

1.742-1.7481.739-1.770
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
Biaxial/+

Crystal System

-
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

-99990.007-0.010
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Hessonite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Hessonite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Hessonite 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, Hessonite is while Hessonite is in appearance.