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Sapphire and Mellite Optical Properties


Mellite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.509-1.541   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.030   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Sapphire and Mellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Mellite 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.

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