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Sphalerite
Sphalerite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Sphalerite
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Smithsonite

Sphalerite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Adamantine
Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.160.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Translucent

Refractive Index

2.368-2.3711.620-1.850
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Isometric
Trigonal

Birefringence

-99990.223-0.227
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Translucent

Sphalerite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sphalerite and Smithsonite 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.