Onyx and Anthophyllite Optical Properties

Onyx

Anthophyllite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

When Fe-rich

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.603-1.690

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Onyx and Anthophyllite Optic Character

Onyx and Anthophyllite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Onyx and Anthophyllite 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 Onyx and Anthophyllite 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. Anthophyllite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Onyx and Anthophyllite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Anthophyllite 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, Onyx is Opaque, Translucent and Translucent to opaque while Onyx is Opaque, Translucent and Translucent to opaque in appearance.