Onyx and Rock Crystal Optical Properties

Onyx

Rock Crystal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.544-1.553

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

TransparentWalter Schumann

Onyx and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Rock Crystal 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.