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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Richterite
Richterite



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Smithsonite
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Richterite

Smithsonite and Richterite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Strong: pale yellow

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
-

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.615
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
monoclinic

Birefringence

0.223-0.2270.021
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
-

Smithsonite and Richterite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Richterite 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.