Tanzanite and Thomsonite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Thomsonite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

NilArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.510-1.550

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.015-0.020

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Translucent

Tanzanite and Thomsonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Thomsonite 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.