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Steatite
Steatite

Sphalerite
Sphalerite



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Steatite
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Sphalerite

Steatite and Sphalerite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

-
Adamantine

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.010.16
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

-
Transparent, Translucent

Refractive Index

1.539-1.5962.368-2.371
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
Isometric

Birefringence

0.046-0.050-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Transparent

Steatite and Sphalerite Optic Character

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

Steatite and Sphalerite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Steatite and Sphalerite 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, Steatite is while Steatite is in appearance.