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Atacamite and Malachite Optical Properties


Malachite and Atacamite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine, Vitreous   
Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Fibrous   

Pleochroism
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
None   

Transparency
Not Available   
Opaque   

Refractive Index
1.831   
1.655-1.909   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.049   
0.254   

Clarity
Not Available   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

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Atacamite and Malachite Optic Character

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

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Atacamite and Malachite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Atacamite and Malachite 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, Atacamite is Not Available while Atacamite is Not Available in appearance.

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