Sapphire and Ruby Optical Properties

Sapphire

Ruby

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Strong: purplish-red

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

⊕

▶

▼

0.02

Rank: 21 (Overall)▶

0.02

Rank: 21 (Overall)▶

▲

Fluorite Optical Properties

⊕

▶

0.044 (Anglesite Opt..)

◀ ▶ ADD ⊕

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.788

1.762-1.778

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.009

0.008

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Sapphire and Ruby Optic Character

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

Sapphire and Ruby Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Ruby 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.