Zoisite and Hercynite Optical Properties

Zoisite

Hercynite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Vitreous

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

0.02

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

1.685-1.707

Orthorhombic

0.006-0.018

Transparent

Vitreous

0.03

Translucent

1.80-1.83

Isometric Hexoctahedral H-M Symbol (4/m 3 2/m) Space Group: F d3m

-9999

Translucent

Zoisite and Hercynite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Zoisite and Hercynite 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 while Zoisite is in appearance.