Lizardite and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Lizardite

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.538-1.5601.739-1.770

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TranslucentAnthony et al

Transparent

Lizardite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Lizardite 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, Lizardite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TranslucentAnthony et al while Lizardite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TranslucentAnthony et al in appearance.