Fluorite and Calcite Optical Properties

Fluorite

Calcite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

NilArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

0.01NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.432-1.4361.486-1.658

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.154-0.174

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Fluorite and Calcite Optic Character

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

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Fluorite and Calcite Transparency

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