Labradorite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Labradorite

Zoisite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

From the Congo

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.554-1.5731.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0100.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Labradorite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Aquarius

Labradorite Vs Chrysanthemum Stone

Labradorite Vs Albite

Labradorite Vs Rhyolite

Labradorite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Labradorite and Zoisite 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, Labradorite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Labradorite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.