Sphalerite and Catapleiite Optical Properties

Sphalerite

Catapleiite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.16NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)

1.5 Refractive Index

2.368-2.3711.590-1.629

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Isometric

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: B2/b (pseudo-HEX)

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.039

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Sphalerite and Catapleiite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Catapleiite 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.