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Topaz
Topaz

Alexandrite
Alexandrite



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Topaz
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Alexandrite

Topaz and Alexandrite Optical Properties

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1 Optical Properties
1.1 Luster
Vitreous
Vitreous
1.2 Pleochroism
Weak
Not Available
1.3 Dispersion
0.01NA
Fluorite Optical Properties
0.007 1
1.4 Transparency
Transparent
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque
1.5 Refractive Index
1.606-1.6441.739-1.770
Agate Opal
1 3.25
1.6 Optic Character
Not Available
Biaxial/+
1.7 Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Orthorhombic
1.8 Birefringence
0.008-0.0110.007-0.010
Achroite
0 0.296
1.9 Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Topaz and Alexandrite Optic Character

Topaz and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Topaz and Alexandrite 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 Topaz and Alexandrite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

Topaz and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Topaz and Alexandrite 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, Topaz is Transparent while Topaz is Transparent in appearance.