Zoisite and Foitite Optical Properties

Zoisite

Foitite

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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

Strong: pale lavender dark blueAnthony et al

Dispersion

0.020.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

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

TranslucentAnthony et al, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.685-1.707-9999

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal Ditrigonal Pyramidal H-M Symbol (3m) Space Group: R 3m

Birefringence

0.006-0.018-9999

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Zoisite and Foitite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Zoisite and Foitite 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.