Sapphire and Variscite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Variscite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous, Waxy

Pleochroism

Strong

Dispersion

0.020.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.560-1.594

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.031

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Sapphire and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Variscite 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.