Zoisite and Variscite Optical Properties

Zoisite

Variscite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

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

MissingWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.685-1.7071.560-1.594

1 3.25

1.4 Optic Character

Not Available

1.5 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.6 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.031

0 0.296

1.7 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Zoisite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Zoisite Vs Sunstone

Zoisite Vs Tourmaline Bi Color

Zoisite Vs Sphene

Zoisite and Variscite Transparency

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