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Willemite
Willemite

Smithsonite
Smithsonite



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Willemite
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Smithsonite

Willemite and Smithsonite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Resinous
Vitreous, Pearly

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.170.01
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Translucent

Refractive Index

1.687-1.7231.620-1.850
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

Trigonal
Trigonal

Birefringence

0.028-0.0300.223-0.227
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Translucent

Willemite and Smithsonite Optic Character

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

Willemite and Smithsonite Transparency

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