Diamond and Obsidian Optical Properties

Diamond

Obsidian

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.040.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

2.417-2.4191.450-1.550

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Diamond and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Diamond and Obsidian 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, Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.