Onyx and Sunstone Optical Properties

Onyx

Sunstone

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Not Available

Weak or absentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NANone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.53-1.55

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Triclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.007-0.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent to translucent

Onyx and Sunstone Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Sunstone 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.