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Atacamite and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Atacamite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine, Vitreous   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Not Available   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.831   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.049   
0.031   

Clarity
Not Available   
Translucent   

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Atacamite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Atacamite and Variscite 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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Green Gemstones


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