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Holmquistite and Obsidian Optical Properties


Obsidian and Holmquistite Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong in shades of violet when dark-colored.Anthony et al   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
0.01   
29

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent, Translucent   

Refractive Index
1.622-1.666   
1.450-1.550   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma   
Amorphous   

Birefringence
Not Available   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Holmquistite and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Holmquistite 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, Holmquistite is Transparent while Holmquistite is Transparent in appearance.

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