Sapphire and Rock Crystal Optical Properties

Sapphire

Rock Crystal

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.544-1.553

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentWalter Schumann

Sapphire and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Rock Crystal 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.