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Sphalerite and Sapphire Optical Properties


Sapphire and Sphalerite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Adamantine   
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
Strong   

Dispersion
0.16   
4
0.02   
21

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   

Refractive Index
2.368-2.371   
1.762-1.788   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Isometric   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.008-0.009   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Sphalerite and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Sapphire 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.

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