Hematite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Hematite

Smithsonite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

2.690-3.2201.620-1.850

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.2800.223-0.227

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Translucent

Hematite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Hematite and Smithsonite 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, Hematite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references and OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli while Hematite is Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references and OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli in appearance.