Sapphire and Hercynite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Hercynite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.80-1.83

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Isometric Hexoctahedral H-M Symbol (4/m 3 2/m) Space Group: F d3m

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.009Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Sapphire and Hercynite Optic Character

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

Sapphire Vs Opal

Sapphire Vs Ruby

» More

More Compare Birthstones

Sapphire and Hercynite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Hercynite 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.