Smithsonite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Smithsonite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

0.01NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.223-0.227Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Smithsonite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Omphacite 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.