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Nephrite
Nephrite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Nephrite
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Sphalerite

Nephrite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Greasy
Adamantine

Pleochroism

None
-

Dispersion

0.010.16
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.600-1.6272.368-2.371
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

monoclinic
Isometric

Birefringence

0.027-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
Transparent

Nephrite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Nephrite and Sphalerite 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.