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Malachite
Malachite

Atacamite
Atacamite



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Malachite
X
Atacamite

Malachite and Atacamite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky
-
0.04
Opaque
1.655-1.909
-
monoclinic
0.254
-
 
Adamantine, Vitreous
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green
0.03
-
1.831
-
Orthorhombic
0.049
-

Malachite and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Malachite and Atacamite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Malachite and Atacamite 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, Malachite is while Malachite is in appearance.