Opal and Cuprite Optical Properties

Opal

Cuprite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

None

visible

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TranslucentWalter Schumann

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.522.849

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

cubic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentWalter Schumann

Opal and Cuprite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Cuprite 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.