Lapis lazuli and Omphacite Optical Properties

Lapis lazuli

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Opaque

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.500-1.6701.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Gemstones of the world (2001)

TranslucentAnthony et al

Lapis lazuli and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Lapis lazuli and Omphacite 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, Lapis lazuli is Opaque while Lapis lazuli is Opaque in appearance.