Onyx and Hematite Optical Properties

Onyx

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5432.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Onyx and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Hematite 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.