Obsidian and Zoisite Optical Properties

Obsidian

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.450-1.5501.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Amorphous

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Obsidian and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Obsidian 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, Obsidian is Translucent and Transparent while Obsidian is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.