Opal and Axinite Optical Properties

Opal

Axinite

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

Pleochroism

None

Strong

Dispersion

0.010.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.656-1.704

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Biaxial/+

Crystal System

Trigonal

Triclinic

Birefringence

-99990.009-0.012

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda

Opal and Axinite Optic Character

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

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Schorlomite

Opal Vs Simpsonite

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Opal and Axinite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Axinite 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.