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Obsidian
Obsidian

Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli



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Obsidian
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Lapis lazuli

Obsidian and Lapis lazuli Optical Properties

Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous, Greasy

Pleochroism

-
-

Dispersion

0.01-
0.005 1
👆🏻

Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Opaque

Refractive Index

1.450-1.5501.500-1.670
1 3.25
👆🏻

Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
Trigonal

Birefringence

-9999-9999
0 0.296
👆🏻

Clarity

Transparent
-

Obsidian and Lapis lazuli Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Obsidian and Lapis lazuli 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.