Among the gems that are strongly pleochroic are andalusite, iolite, kyanite, kunzite, sphene and tanzanite. Some pleochroic gems are said to be dichroic - displaying two different colors; kunzite is an example. Others are said to be trichroic, such as andalusite.
Which minerals are Pleochroic?
List of pleochroic minerals
- Amethyst (very low): different shades of purple.
- Andalusite (strong): green-brown / dark red / purple.
- Beryl (medium): purple / colorless.
- Corundum (high): purple / orange.
- Hypersthene (strong): purple / orange.
- Spodumene (Kunzite) (strong): purple / clear / pink.
Is Sapphire Pleochroic?
Pleochroism refers to different bodycolors in different crystal viewing directions. Blue sapphires often have greenish blue and violetish blue pleochroism. It's most desirable to orient the cut so the stone shows the violetish blue color when it is set in jewelry.
