Spinel and Zincite Optical Properties

Spinel

Zincite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Subadamantine, Resinous

Pleochroism

Absent

Very weak

Dispersion

0.020.16

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling

Refractive Index

1.732.013-2.029

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Isometric

Hexagonal

Birefringence

-99990.016

0 0.296

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Clarity

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling

Spinel and Zincite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Spinel and Zincite 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, Spinel is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent while Spinel is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.