Vesuvianite and Zoisite Optical Properties

Vesuvianite

Zoisite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Vitreous, Resinous

slight in colored varieties

0.03

1.703-1.752

tetragonal

0.004-0.006

Vitreous

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

0.02

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

1.685-1.707

Orthorhombic

0.006-0.018

Transparent

Vesuvianite and Zoisite Optic Character

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

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