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Calcite
Calcite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Calcite
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Sphalerite

Calcite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

1 Optical Properties
1.1 Luster
Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine
1.2 Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
AbsentWalter Schumann
1.3 Dispersion
NA0.16
Fluorite Optical Properties
0.007 1
1.4 Transparency
Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent
1.5 Refractive Index
1.486-1.6582.368-2.371
Agate Opal
1 3.25
1.6 Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
1.7 Crystal System
Trigonal
Isometric
1.8 Birefringence
0.154-0.174Not Available
Achroite
0 0.296
1.9 Clarity
Transparent
Transparent

Calcite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

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