Sapphire and Shigaite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Shigaite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Distinct

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.546

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.009Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Sapphire and Shigaite Optic Character

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

Sapphire Vs Opal

Sapphire Vs Emerald

» More

More Compare Birthstones

Sapphire and Shigaite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Shigaite 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.