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Zoisite and Topaz Optical Properties


Topaz and Zoisite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous  
Vitreous  

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

Dispersion
0.02  
99+
0.01  
99+

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

Refractive Index
1.685-1.707  
1.606-1.644  

Optic Character
-  
-  

Crystal System
Orthorhombic  
Orthorhombic  

Birefringence
0.006-0.018  
0.008-0.011  

Clarity
Transparent  
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda  

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Zoisite and Topaz Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Zoisite and Topaz 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.

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Brown Gemstones


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