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Sapphire and Phenakite Optical Properties


Phenakite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
Distinct: colorless orangy-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
0.02   
24

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

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.650-1.695   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.016   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Sapphire and Phenakite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Phenakite 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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