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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Cassiterite
Cassiterite



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Smithsonite
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Cassiterite

Smithsonite and Cassiterite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine, Greasy

Pleochroism

-
Pleochroic haloes have been observed. Dichroic in yellow

Dispersion

0.010.07
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.990-2.105
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
tetragonal

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.096-0.098
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
Transparent

Smithsonite and Cassiterite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Cassiterite 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.