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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Phenakite
Phenakite



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Smithsonite
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Phenakite

Smithsonite and Phenakite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Distinct: colorless orangy-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.650-1.695
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.016
0 0.296
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Clarity

Translucent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Smithsonite and Phenakite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Phenakite 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.