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Calcite
Calcite

Wulfenite
Wulfenite



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Calcite
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Wulfenite

Calcite and Wulfenite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine, Resinous

Pleochroism

-
Weak

Dispersion

0.150.03
0.005 1
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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.486-1.6582.280-2.405
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
tetragonal

Birefringence

0.154-0.1740.122
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Calcite and Wulfenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Calcite and Wulfenite 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.