Linarite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Linarite

Zoisite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous

X = pale blue; Y = blue; Z = Prussian blue

0.05

Transparent

1.809-1.859

monoclinic

0.050

Transparent

Vitreous

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

0.02

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

1.685-1.707

Orthorhombic

0.006-0.018

Transparent

Linarite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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Linarite and Zoisite Transparency

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