Tanzanite and Hessonite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Hessonite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.742-1.748

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.018Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Tanzanite and Hessonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Hessonite 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.