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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Atacamite
Atacamite



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Smithsonite
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Atacamite

Smithsonite and Atacamite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine, Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green

Dispersion

0.010.03
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.831
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.049
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
-

Smithsonite and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Atacamite 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.