Tanzanite and Corundum Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Corundum

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Adamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

None

1.3 Dispersion

0.030.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.758-1.780

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Tanzanite and Corundum Optic Character

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

Tanzanite Vs Amethyst

Tanzanite Vs Alexandrite

Tanzanite and Corundum Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Corundum 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.