Tanzanite and Iolite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Iolite

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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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.52-1.56

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.018Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Transparent to translucent

Tanzanite and Iolite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Iolite 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.