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Apatite
Apatite

Hematite
Hematite



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Apatite
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Hematite

Apatite and Hematite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
-

Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong
O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

Dispersion

0.010.05
0.005 1
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Transparency

-
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Refractive Index

1.628-1.6512.690-3.220
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Hexagonal
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.002-0.0080.280
0 0.296
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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Apatite and Hematite Optic Character

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

Apatite and Hematite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Apatite and Hematite 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, Apatite is while Apatite is in appearance.