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Sphalerite
Sphalerite

Pyrite
Pyrite



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Sphalerite
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Pyrite

Sphalerite and Pyrite Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Adamantine
-

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.160.04
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Refractive Index

2.368-2.371-9999
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Isometric
Isometric

Birefringence

-9999-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Sphalerite and Pyrite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Pyrite 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.