Sapphire and Tanzanite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Tanzanite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Present

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.03

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Sapphire and Tanzanite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Tanzanite 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.