Pyrophyllite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Pyrophyllite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

NilArthur Thomas

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

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.534-1.6011.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0500.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Pyrophyllite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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