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Rhodolite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Rhodolite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Greasy, Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
None   
Not Available   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Gemmological Tables (2004)   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
1.760   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
cubic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.010-0.014   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   
Transparent   

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Rhodolite and Alexandrite Optic Character

Rhodolite and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Rhodolite and Alexandrite 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 Rhodolite and Alexandrite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Rhodolite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Rhodolite and Alexandrite 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, Rhodolite is Gemmological Tables (2004) while Rhodolite is Gemmological Tables (2004) in appearance.

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