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Obsidian and Opal Optical Properties


Opal and Obsidian Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous, Pearly   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
None   

Dispersion
0.01   
29
None   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   

Refractive Index
1.450-1.550   
1.37-1.52   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Amorphous   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
Not Available   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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<< Physical Properties

Obsidian and Opal Optic Character

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

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

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