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Nephrite
Nephrite

Alexandrite
Alexandrite



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Nephrite
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Alexandrite

Nephrite and Alexandrite Optical Properties

1 Optical Properties
1.1 Luster
Vitreous, Greasy
Vitreous
1.2 Pleochroism
None
Not Available
1.3 Dispersion
NANA
Fluorite Optical Properties
0.007 1
1.4 Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque
1.5 Refractive Index
1.600-1.6271.739-1.770
Agate Opal
1 3.25
1.6 Optic Character
Not Available
Biaxial/+
1.7 Crystal System
monoclinic
Orthorhombic
1.8 Birefringence
0.0270.007-0.010
Achroite
0 0.296
1.9 Clarity
Translucent
Transparent

Nephrite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Nephrite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Nephrite 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, Nephrite is Translucent while Nephrite is Translucent in appearance.