Onyx and Selenite Optical Properties

Onyx

Selenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.543Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Onyx and Selenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Selenite 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.