Rhodochrosite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Sphalerite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.16

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.602.368-2.371

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Isometric

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.220Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

Transparent

Rhodochrosite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Leo » More

Rhodochrosite Vs Heliodor

Rhodochrosite Vs Hawks Eye

Rhodochrosite Vs Pietersite

» More

More Compare Gems for Leo

Rhodochrosite and Sphalerite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite 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, Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque while Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque in appearance.