Turquoise and Zoisite Optical Properties

Turquoise

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

None0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.610-1.6501.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0400.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Turquoise and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Turquoise and Zoisite 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 Opaque and Translucent while Turquoise is Opaque and Translucent in appearance.