Home
Gemstones


Ruby and Sphalerite Optical Properties


Sphalerite and Ruby Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Adamantine   

Pleochroism
Strong: purplish-red   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
0.16   
4

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent, Translucent   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.778   
2.368-2.371   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Isometric   

Birefringence
0.008   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Ruby and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Compare Birthstones

Ruby and Sphalerite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Sphalerite 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.

Birthstones

Birthstones

» More Birthstones

Compare Birthstones

» More Compare Birthstones