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Obsidian
Obsidian

Diamond
Diamond



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Obsidian
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Diamond

Obsidian and Diamond Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Adamantine

Pleochroism

-
None

Dispersion

0.010.04
0.005 1
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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Refractive Index

1.450-1.5502.417-2.419
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
cubic

Birefringence

-9999-9999
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
Transparent

Obsidian and Diamond Optic Character

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

Obsidian and Diamond Transparency

Similar to their colors, Obsidian and Diamond 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, Obsidian is Transparent and Translucent while Obsidian is Transparent and Translucent in appearance.