Prasiolite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Prasiolite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Very weak: light green pale greenWalter 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

1.544-1.5531.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0090.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Prasiolite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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