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Sapphire and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
Strong   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
0.031   

Clarity
Transparent   
Translucent   

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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 Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Sapphire is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.

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