Emerald and Obsidian Optical Properties

Emerald

Obsidian

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong dichroism: yellow green Lazzarelli

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.565-1.6021.450-1.550

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

0.0040-0.0070Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Color grading system

Transparent

Emerald and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Emerald 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, Emerald is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Emerald is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.