Tanzanite and Rock Crystal Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Rock Crystal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.030.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.544-1.553

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TransparentWalter Schumann

Tanzanite and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Rock Crystal 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.