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Emerald and Opal Optical Properties


Opal and Emerald Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Pearly   

Pleochroism
Strong dichroism: yellow green Lazzarelli   
None   

Dispersion
0.01   
26
None   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   

Refractive Index
1.565-1.602   
1.37-1.52   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Hexagonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.0040-0.0070   
Not Available   

Clarity
Color grading system   
Transparent   

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Emerald and Opal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Emerald and Opal 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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