Fayalite and Obsidian Optical Properties

Fayalite

Obsidian

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Faint

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

TransparentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.827-1.8791.450-1.550

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

0.042-0.051Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

TransparentAnthony et al

Transparent

Fayalite and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Fayalite 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, Fayalite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al while Fayalite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) and TransparentAnthony et al in appearance.