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Apatite
Apatite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Apatite
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Sphalerite

Apatite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Adamantine

Pleochroism

Blue stones – strong
-

Dispersion

0.010.16
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.628-1.6512.368-2.371
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Hexagonal
Isometric

Birefringence

0.002-0.008-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Apatite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Apatite and Sphalerite 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.