Ruby and Zincite Optical Properties

Ruby

Zincite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Subadamantine, Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Very weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7782.013-2.029

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.0080.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling

Ruby and Zincite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Zincite 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.