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Smithsonite and Purpurite Optical Properties


Purpurite and Smithsonite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Pearly   
Not Available   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
StrongArthur Thomas   

Dispersion
0.01   
26
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
TranslucentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.620-1.850   
1.85-1.92   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.223-0.227   
0.070   

Clarity
Translucent   
TranslucentWalter Schumann   

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Smithsonite and Purpurite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Purpurite 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.

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