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Apatite
Apatite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Apatite
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Smithsonite

Apatite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong
-

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Translucent

Refractive Index

1.628-1.6511.620-1.850
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Hexagonal
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.002-0.0080.223-0.227
0 0.296
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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Translucent

Apatite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Apatite and Smithsonite 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.