Diamond and Onyx Optical Properties

Diamond

Onyx

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.04NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

2.417-2.4191.530-1.543

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Diamond and Onyx Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Diamond and Onyx 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.