Sapphire and Kunzite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Kunzite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Strong trichroism: colorless pink violetHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.657-1.681

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.014-0.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Sapphire and Kunzite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Kunzite 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.