Ruby and Topaz Optical Properties

Ruby

Topaz

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7781.606-1.644

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0080.008-0.011

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Ruby and Topaz Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Topaz 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.