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Malachite
Malachite

Variscite
Variscite



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Malachite
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Variscite

Malachite and Variscite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky
Vitreous, Waxy

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.040.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Opaque
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

Refractive Index

1.655-1.9091.560-1.594
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.2540.031
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

-
Translucent

Malachite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Malachite and Variscite 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.