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Holmquistite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Holmquistite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong in shades of violet when dark-colored.Anthony et al   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
1.622-1.666   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Holmquistite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Holmquistite 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, Holmquistite is Transparent while Holmquistite is Transparent in appearance.

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