Ruby and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Ruby

Cordierite Iolite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

Dispersion

0.020.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

Refractive Index

1.762-1.7781.542-1.578

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Crystal System

Trigonal

Birefringence

0.0080.008-0.012

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Ruby and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

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

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Ruby and Cordierite Iolite Transparency

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