Home
Gemstones


Wulfenite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Wulfenite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine, Resinous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
Weak   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

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

Refractive Index
2.280-2.405   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
tetragonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.122   
0.031   

Clarity
Transparent   
Translucent   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Wulfenite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Wulfenite and Variscite Transparency

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

Red Gemstones

Red Gemstones


Compare Red Gemstones