Sapphire and Zinnwaldite Optical Properties

Sapphire

Zinnwaldite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Pearly, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong

Distinct

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7881.565-1.625

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.008-0.0090.040-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Sapphire and Zinnwaldite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Zinnwaldite 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.