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Nephrite
Nephrite

Zoisite
Zoisite



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Nephrite
X
Zoisite

Nephrite and Zoisite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Vitreous, Greasy
None
0.01
Translucent
1.600-1.627
-
monoclinic
0.027
Translucent
 
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

Nephrite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Nephrite and Zoisite Transparency

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