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Malachite
Malachite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Malachite
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Smithsonite

Malachite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

1 Optical Properties
1.1 Luster
Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Fibrous
Vitreous, Pearly
1.2 Pleochroism
Not Available
AbsentWalter Schumann
1.3 Dispersion
None0.01
Fluorite Optical Properties
0.007 1
1.4 Transparency
Opaque
Translucent
1.5 Refractive Index
1.655-1.9091.620-1.850
Agate Opal
1 3.25
1.6 Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
1.7 Crystal System
monoclinic
Trigonal
1.8 Birefringence
0.2540.223-0.227
Achroite
0 0.296
1.9 Clarity
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Translucent

Malachite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Malachite and Smithsonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Malachite 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, Malachite is Opaque while Malachite is Opaque in appearance.