Common Opal and Zoisite Optical Properties

Common Opal

Zoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Not Available

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

X = pale pink to red-violet; Y = nearly colorless to bright pink or deep blue; Z = pale yellow to yellow-green

1.3 Dispersion

None0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.685-1.707

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Not Available

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.006-0.018

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Transparent

Common Opal and Zoisite Optic Character

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

Compare Blue Gemstones

Common Opal Vs Diamond

Common Opal Vs Dumortierite

Common Opal Vs Dravite

Common Opal and Zoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Common Opal and Zoisite 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, Common Opal is Translucent while Common Opal is Translucent in appearance.