Tanzanite and Zincite Optical Properties

Tanzanite

Zincite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Subadamantine, Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

Very weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.03NA

0.007 1

2.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references

2.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7072.013-2.029

1 3.25

2.6 Optic Character

Not Available

2.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hexagonal

2.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.016

0 0.296

2.13 Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling

Tanzanite and Zincite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite and Zincite 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.