Onyx and Sodalite Optical Properties

Onyx

Sodalite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.478-1.488

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

cubic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Onyx and Sodalite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Sodalite 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.