Onyx and Variscite Optical Properties

Onyx

Variscite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Waxy

Pleochroism

Dispersion

0.010.01

0.005 1

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Transparency

Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

Refractive Index

1.530-1.5431.560-1.594

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

Birefringence

-99990.031

0 0.296

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Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Translucent

Onyx and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Onyx and Variscite 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 Translucent, Opaque and Translucent to opaque while Onyx is Translucent, Opaque and Translucent to opaque in appearance.