Ruby and Realgar Optical Properties

Ruby

Realgar

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Nearly colorless to pale golden yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Gems

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7782.538-2.704

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.0080.166

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gems

Ruby and Realgar Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Realgar 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.