Opal and Hematite Optical Properties

Opal

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

None

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.522.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Opal and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Hematite 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.