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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Malachite
Malachite



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Smithsonite
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Malachite

Smithsonite and Malachite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.010.04
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Opaque

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.655-1.909
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
monoclinic

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.254
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
-

Smithsonite and Malachite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Malachite 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.