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Willemite and Malachite Optical Properties


Malachite and Willemite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Resinous   
Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Fibrous   

Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas   
Not Available   

Dispersion
Not Available   
None   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent   
Opaque   

Refractive Index
1.687-1.723   
1.655-1.909   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
0.028-0.030   
0.254   

Clarity
Transparent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

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Willemite and Malachite Optic Character

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

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

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