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Sillimanite
Sillimanite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Sillimanite
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Sphalerite

Sillimanite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Vitreous, Subadamantine, Silky
Colourless to pale brown to yellow
0.02
Transparent, Translucent
1.653-1.685
-
Orthorhombic
0.020-0.022
Transparent
 
Adamantine
-
0.16
Transparent, Translucent
2.368-2.371
-
Isometric
-9999
Transparent

Sillimanite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Sillimanite and Sphalerite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sillimanite 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, Sillimanite is while Sillimanite is in appearance.