Turquoise and Nephrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Turquoise and Nephrite 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 Turquoise and Nephrite 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.
Similar to their colors, Turquoise and Nephrite 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, Turquoise is Translucent and Opaque while Turquoise is Translucent and Opaque in appearance.