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Vesuvianite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Vesuvianite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Resinous  
Vitreous  

Pleochroism
slight in colored varieties  
-  

Dispersion
0.03  
99+
0.02  
99+

Transparency
-  
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque  

Refractive Index
1.703-1.752  
1.739-1.770  

Optic Character
-  
Biaxial/+  

Crystal System
tetragonal  
Orthorhombic  

Birefringence
0.004-0.006  
0.007-0.010  

Clarity
-  
Transparent  

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Vesuvianite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

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Vesuvianite and Alexandrite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Vesuvianite 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, Vesuvianite is while Vesuvianite is in appearance.

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