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.
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 Translucent and Transparent while Sphalerite is Translucent and Transparent in appearance.