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Nephrite
Nephrite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Nephrite
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Smithsonite

Nephrite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

None
-

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Translucent

Refractive Index

1.600-1.6271.620-1.850
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.0270.223-0.227
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
Translucent

Nephrite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Nephrite and Smithsonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Nephrite 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, Nephrite is Translucent while Nephrite is Translucent in appearance.