Zoisite and Elbaite Optical Properties

Zoisite

Elbaite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Pleochroism

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

Pale green

Dispersion

0.020.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

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

Transparent

Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.614-1.666

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.014-0.032

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Zoisite and Elbaite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Zoisite and Elbaite 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, Zoisite is Transparent, Translucent and Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. while Zoisite is Transparent, Translucent and Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. in appearance.