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Wulfenite and Alexandrite Optical Properties


Alexandrite and Wulfenite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine, Resinous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Weak   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque   

Refractive Index
2.280-2.405   
1.739-1.770   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
tetragonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.122   
0.007-0.010   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Wulfenite and Alexandrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Wulfenite 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, Wulfenite is Transparent while Wulfenite is Transparent in appearance.

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