Sphalerite and Omphacite Optical Properties

Sphalerite

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

0.16NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

2.368-2.3711.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Isometric

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Sphalerite and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Omphacite 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.