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Sapphire and Ruby Optical Properties


Ruby and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   

Pleochroism
Strong   
Strong: purplish-red   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
0.02   
21

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.762-1.778   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.008   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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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.

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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.

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