Smithsonite and Williamsite Optical Properties

Smithsonite

Williamsite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.01NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.620-1.8501.530-1.575

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

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Smithsonite and Williamsite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Smithsonite and Williamsite 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.