Sapphire and Turquoise Optical Properties

Sapphire

Turquoise

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.02None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent, Opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.610-1.650

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Triclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.040

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Sapphire and Turquoise Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Turquoise 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.