Sapphire and Calcite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Calcite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

NilArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.486-1.658

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.154-0.174

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Sapphire and Calcite Optic Character

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

Sapphire Vs Ruby

Sapphire Vs Opal

Sapphire Vs Emerald

» More

More Compare Birthstones

Sapphire and Calcite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Calcite 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.