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Smithsonite
Smithsonite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Smithsonite
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Sphalerite

Smithsonite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly
Adamantine

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.010.16
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.620-1.8502.368-2.371
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Isometric

Birefringence

0.223-0.227-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Translucent
Transparent

Smithsonite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Sphalerite 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.