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Sphalerite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Sphalerite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
Not Available   

Dispersion
0.16   
4
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
2.368-2.371   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Isometric   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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<< Physical Properties

Sphalerite and Alexandrite Optic Character

Sphalerite and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Sphalerite and Alexandrite 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 Sphalerite and Alexandrite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Sphalerite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Alexandrite 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, Sphalerite is Translucent and Transparent while Sphalerite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.

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