Opal and Hibonite Optical Properties

Opal

Hibonite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

O = brownish gray; E = gray

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

⊕

▶

▼

None

Rank: N/A (Overall)▶

Not Available

Rank: N/A (Overall)▶

▲

Fluorite Optical Properties

⊕

▶

0.044 (Anglesite Opt..)

◀ ▶ ADD ⊕

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.52

1.79-1.807

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Opal and Hibonite Optic Character

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

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal and Hibonite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Hibonite 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.