Opal and Fire Opal Optical Properties

Opal

Fire Opal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

None

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.370-1.470

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Opal and Fire Opal Optic Character

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

Opal Vs Amethyst

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Opal and Fire Opal Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Fire Opal 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.