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Sphalerite
Sphalerite

Aragonite
Aragonite



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Sphalerite
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Aragonite

Sphalerite and Aragonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Adamantine
Vitreous, Resinous

Pleochroism

-
StrongArthur Thomas

Dispersion

0.160.17
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

2.368-2.3711.525-1.686
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Isometric
Orthorhombic

Birefringence

-99990.155
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Sphalerite and Aragonite Optic Character

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

Sphalerite and Aragonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Aragonite 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, Sphalerite is Transparent and Translucent while Sphalerite is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.