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Willemite
Willemite

Colemanite
Colemanite



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Willemite
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Colemanite

Willemite and Colemanite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Resinous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.170.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.687-1.7231.584-1.615
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: P 21/a

Birefringence

0.028-0.0300.028-0.030
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Willemite and Colemanite Optic Character

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

Willemite and Colemanite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Willemite and Colemanite 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, Willemite is Transparent and Translucent while Willemite is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.