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Opal and Esperite Optical Properties


Esperite and Opal Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Pearly  
Vitreous  

Pleochroism
None  
colorless.  

Dispersion
0.01  
99+
0.02  
99+

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent  
OpaqueAnthony et al, Opaque, Transparent  

Refractive Index
1.37-1.52  
1.760-1.774  

Optic Character
-  
-  

Crystal System
Trigonal  
monoclinic  

Birefringence
-9999  
0.012  

Clarity
Transparent  
OpaqueAnthony et al  

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Opal and Esperite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Esperite 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.

Semi Precious Gemstones

Semi Precious Gemstones


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