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Rhodochrosite and Topaz Optical Properties


Topaz and Rhodochrosite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Weak   
Weak   

Dispersion
0.02   
24
0.01   
26

Transparency
Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.60   
1.606-1.644   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.208-0.220   
0.008-0.011   

Clarity
Transparent to nearly opaque   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Rhodochrosite and Topaz Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite and Topaz 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, Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque while Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque in appearance.

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