Sapphire and Dumortierite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Dumortierite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Strong; X = deep blue or violet; Y = yellow to red-violet or nearly colorless; Z = colorless or very pale blue

1.3 Dispersion

0.02None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent, Translucent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.669-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.011-0.037

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Sapphire and Dumortierite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Dumortierite 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.