Tanzanite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Catapleiite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Tanzanite and Catapleiite Optic Character

Tanzanite and Catapleiite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Tanzanite and Catapleiite 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 Catapleiite 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 Semi Precious Gemstones

Tanzanite Vs Alexandrite

Tanzanite Vs Beryl

Tanzanite Vs Amethyst

Tanzanite and Catapleiite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Catapleiite 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.