Home
Gemstones


Sapphire and Afghanite Optical Properties


Afghanite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
Not Available   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent, Gemstones (2009)   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.523   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.006   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Sapphire and Afghanite Optic Character

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

Sapphire and Afghanite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Afghanite 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, Sapphire is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Sapphire is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.

Birthstones

Birthstones

» More Birthstones

Compare Birthstones

» More Compare Birthstones