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Linarite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Linarite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
X = pale blue; Y = blue; Z = Prussian blue   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
1.809-1.859   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
monoclinic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.050   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Linarite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

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

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