×

Calcite
Calcite

Aragonite
Aragonite



ADD
Compare
X
Calcite
X
Aragonite

Calcite and Aragonite Optical Properties

Add ⊕

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous, Resinous

Pleochroism

-
StrongArthur Thomas

Dispersion

0.150.17
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.486-1.6581.525-1.686
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.154-0.1740.155
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Calcite and Aragonite Optic Character

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

Calcite and Aragonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Calcite and Aragonite 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, Calcite is Transparent and Translucent while Calcite is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.