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Tanzanite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Sapphire and Tanzanite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   

Pleochroism
Present   
Strong   

Dispersion
0.03   
14
0.02   
21

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.685-1.707   
1.762-1.788   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.006-0.018   
0.008-0.009   

Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   
Transparent   

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Tanzanite and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Sapphire 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.

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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