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Calcite
Calcite

Selenite
Selenite



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Calcite
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Selenite

Calcite and Selenite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.150.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.486-1.658-9999
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
monoclinic

Birefringence

0.154-0.174-9999
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Calcite and Selenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Calcite and Selenite 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.