Iolite and Bixbite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Iolite and Bixbite 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 Iolite and Bixbite 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.
Similar to their colors, Iolite and Bixbite 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, Iolite is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent while Iolite is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.