Staurolite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Staurolite

Zoisite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Resinous

X = colorless; Y = pale yellow; Z = golden yellow

0.02

1.736-1.762

monoclinic

0.009-0.015

Vitreous

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

0.02

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.685-1.707

Orthorhombic

0.006-0.018

Transparent

Staurolite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Staurolite and Zoisite 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, Staurolite is while Staurolite is in appearance.