Onyx and Mellite Optical Properties

Onyx

Mellite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak: yellowish brown yellowAnthony et al

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.509-1.541

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.030

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Onyx and Mellite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Capricorn » More

Onyx Vs Crystal Quartz

Onyx Vs Hawks Eye

Onyx Vs Quartz Smoky

» More

More Compare Gems for Capricorn

Onyx and Mellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Mellite 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.