Onyx and Sapphire Optical Properties

Onyx

Sapphire

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Strong

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.762-1.788

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.008-0.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Onyx and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Sapphire 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.