Tanzanite and Lepidolite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Lepidolite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

X = almost colorless; Y = Z = pink

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.525-1.587

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Triclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.0290-0.0380

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Transparent

Tanzanite and Lepidolite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Lepidolite 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.