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Boulder Opal
Boulder Opal

Cordierite Iolite
Cordierite Iolite



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Boulder Opal
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Cordierite Iolite

Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

-
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish

Dispersion

0.010.02
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent

Refractive Index

1.370-1.4701.542-1.578
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
Biaxial/+

Crystal System

-
-

Birefringence

-99990.008-0.012
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite 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 Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite 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. Cordierite Iolite has Biaxial/+ character.

Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Boulder Opal and Cordierite Iolite 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, Boulder Opal is Transparent and Translucent while Boulder Opal is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.