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Calcite
Calcite

Atacamite
Atacamite



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Calcite
X
Atacamite

Calcite and Atacamite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine, Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green

Dispersion

0.150.03
0.005 1
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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.486-1.6581.831
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.154-0.1740.049
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
-

Calcite and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Calcite and Atacamite 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.