Rhodochrosite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

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

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.2200.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent

Rhodochrosite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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