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Taaffeite and Benitoite Optical Properties


Benitoite and Taaffeite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous  
Vitreous  

Pleochroism
Weak  
O = colorless; E = purple  

Dispersion
0.02  
99+
0.04  
35

Transparency
-  
Transparent  

Refractive Index
1.70-1.73  
1.757-1.804  

Optic Character
-  
-  

Crystal System
Hexagonal  
Hexagonal  

Birefringence
0.055  
0.047  

Clarity
-  
Transparent  

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Taaffeite and Benitoite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Taaffeite and Benitoite 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, Taaffeite is while Taaffeite is in appearance.

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