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Tanzanite
Tanzanite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Tanzanite
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Smithsonite

Tanzanite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

 
Vitreous
Present
0.03
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent
1.685-1.707
-
Orthorhombic
0.006-0.018
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
 
Vitreous, Pearly
-
0.01
Translucent
1.620-1.850
-
Trigonal
0.223-0.227
Translucent

Tanzanite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Tanzanite and Smithsonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tanzanite 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, Tanzanite is while Tanzanite is in appearance.