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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Apatite
Apatite



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Smithsonite
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Apatite

Smithsonite and Apatite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Blue stones – strong

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.628-1.651
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Hexagonal

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.002-0.008
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Smithsonite and Apatite Optic Character

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

Smithsonite and Apatite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Apatite 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, Smithsonite is Translucent while Smithsonite is Translucent in appearance.