Tanzanite crystal structure
orthorhombic

Tanzanite

Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH):V

Quick Facts

Hardness
6.5
Specific Gravity
3.1
Refractive Index
1.691

Crystal Structure

orthorhombic[mmm]:{100}@1.0 + {010}@0.9 + {001}@1.2 + {110}@0.7
orthorhombic
mmm
{100} {010} {001} {110}

Physical Properties

Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Hardness (Mohs)6.5
Specific Gravity3.1
CleavagePerfect in one direction
FractureUneven to conchoidal
LustreVitreous

Optical Properties

Refractive Index1.691
Birefringence0.008-0.013
PleochroismStrong trichroic (blue, purple/violet, brown/burgundy)
Dispersion0.021

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orthorhombic[mmm]:{100}@1.0 + {010}@0.9 + {001}@1.2 + {110}@0.7