Variscite and Atacamite Optical Properties

Variscite

Atacamite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Adamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.831

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.0310.049

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Not Available

Variscite and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Variscite and Atacamite 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, Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent while Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent in appearance.