Sapphire and Sugilite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Sugilite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

Pleochroism

Strong

Weak

Dispersion

0.020.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent

Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.607-1.612

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.003

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Sapphire and Sugilite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Sugilite 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 Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque while Sapphire is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.