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Ruby and Sapphire Optical Properties


Sapphire and Ruby Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   

Pleochroism
Strong: purplish-red   
Strong   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
0.02   
21

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.778   
1.762-1.788   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008   
0.008-0.009   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Ruby and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Sapphire 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.

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