Variscite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Variscite

Zoisite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

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

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0310.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Variscite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Virgo

Variscite Vs Garnet

Variscite Vs Amazonite

Variscite Vs Aragonite

Variscite and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Variscite 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, Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent while Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent in appearance.