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Kunzite
Kunzite

Alexandrite
Alexandrite



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Kunzite
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Alexandrite

Kunzite and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

Strong trichroism: colorless pink violetHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli
-

Dispersion

0.020.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

Refractive Index

1.657-1.6811.739-1.770
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
Biaxial/+

Crystal System

monoclinic
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.014-0.0160.007-0.010
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Kunzite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Kunzite and Alexandrite Transparency

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