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Emerald and Obsidian Optical Properties


Obsidian and Emerald Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong dichroism: yellow green Lazzarelli   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.01   
26
0.01   
29

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Transparent, Translucent   

Refractive Index
1.565-1.602   
1.450-1.550   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Hexagonal   
Amorphous   

Birefringence
0.0040-0.0070   
Not Available   

Clarity
Color grading system   
Transparent   

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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.

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