Opal and Atacamite Optical Properties

Opal

Atacamite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Adamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

X = pale green; Y = yellow-green; Z = grass-green

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.831

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.049

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Opal and Atacamite Optic Character

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

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal and Atacamite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Atacamite 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.