Wulfenite and Hematite Optical Properties

Wulfenite

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine, Resinous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

2.280-2.4052.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

tetragonal

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.1220.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Wulfenite and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Wulfenite and Hematite 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, Wulfenite is Transparent while Wulfenite is Transparent in appearance.