Opal and Anthophyllite Optical Properties

Opal

Anthophyllite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

None

When Fe-rich

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.603-1.690

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic Dipyramidal H-M Symbol (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P nma

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Opal and Anthophyllite Optic Character

Opal and Anthophyllite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Opal and Anthophyllite 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 Opal and Anthophyllite 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. Anthophyllite has Biaxial/+ character.

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal and Anthophyllite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Anthophyllite 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, Opal is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Opal is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.