Tanzanite and Lapis lazuli Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Lapis lazuli

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.03None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.500-1.670

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.018Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Gemstones of the world (2001)

Tanzanite and Lapis lazuli Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Lapis lazuli 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.