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Sapphire and Atacamite Optical Properties


Atacamite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Adamantine, Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Not Available   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.831   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.049   

Clarity
Transparent   
Not Available   

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Sapphire and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Atacamite 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.

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