Smithsonite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Smithsonite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.01NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Smithsonite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

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Smithsonite and Catapleiite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Catapleiite 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.