Sapphire and Cobaltite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Cobaltite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Very weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Gems

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.788Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic Pyramidal H-M Symbol (mm2) Space Group: P ca21

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.009Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gems

Sapphire and Cobaltite Optic Character

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

Sapphire Vs Opal

» More

More Compare Birthstones

Sapphire and Cobaltite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Cobaltite 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.