Tanzanite and Cobaltite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Cobaltite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Very weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gems

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.707Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Orthorhombic Pyramidal H-M Symbol (mm2) Space Group: P ca21

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.018Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Gems

Tanzanite and Cobaltite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Cobaltite 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.