Ruby and Alabaster Optical Properties

Ruby

Alabaster

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7781.520-1.530

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.0080.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Ruby and Alabaster Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Alabaster 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, Ruby is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Ruby is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.