Tanzanite and Axinite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Axinite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Strong

1.3 Dispersion

0.030.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.656-1.704

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Triclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.009-0.012

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Tanzanite and Axinite Optic Character

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

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Tanzanite and Axinite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Axinite 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, Tanzanite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Tanzanite is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.