Opal and Antigorite Optical Properties

Opal

Antigorite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

Pleochroism

None

pale greenish yellow

Dispersion

0.010.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Translucent

Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.530-1.575

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Monoclinic Domatic H-M Symbol (m) Space Group: Cm

Birefringence

-9999-9999

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Opal and Antigorite Optic Character

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

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