Ruby and Zircon Optical Properties

Ruby

Zircon

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Adamantine

1.3 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

Weak

1.4 Dispersion

0.020.04

0.007 1

1.8 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

1.9 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7781.810-2.024

1 3.25

1.11 Optic Character

Not Available

1.12 Crystal System

Trigonal

tetragonal

1.13 Birefringence

0.0080.047-0.055

0 0.296

1.14 Clarity

Transparent

Ruby and Zircon Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Zircon 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.