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Obsidian
Obsidian

Quartz
Quartz



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Obsidian
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Quartz

Obsidian and Quartz Optical Properties

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous
Vitreous

Pleochroism

-
None

Dispersion

0.010.01
0.005 1
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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Refractive Index

1.450-1.5501.544-1.553
1 3.25
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Optic Character

-
-

Crystal System

-
Trigonal

Birefringence

-99990.009
0 0.296
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Clarity

Transparent
Opaque

Obsidian and Quartz Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Obsidian and Quartz 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.