Home
Gemstones


Willemite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Willemite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Resinous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

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

Refractive Index
1.687-1.723   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.028-0.030   
0.031   

Clarity
Transparent   
Translucent   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Willemite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Willemite and Variscite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Willemite and Variscite 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, Willemite is Translucent and Transparent while Willemite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.

Red Gemstones

Red Gemstones


Compare Red Gemstones