Spinel and Corundum Optical Properties

Spinel

Corundum

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Adamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Absent

None

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.731.758-1.780

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Isometric

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Spinel and Corundum Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Scorpio

Spinel Vs Charoite

Spinel Vs Ametrine

Spinel Vs Azurmalachite

Spinel and Corundum Transparency

Similar to their colors, Spinel and Corundum 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, Spinel is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Spinel is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.