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Sphalerite
Sphalerite

Calcite
Calcite



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Sphalerite
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Calcite

Sphalerite and Calcite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Adamantine
Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.160.15
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

2.368-2.3711.486-1.658
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Isometric
Trigonal

Birefringence

-99990.154-0.174
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Sphalerite and Calcite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Calcite 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.