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Opal and Inderite Optical Properties


Inderite and Opal Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Pearly   
Vitreous, Pearly, Greasy   

Pleochroism
None   
Not Available   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Gemmological Tables (2004)   

Refractive Index
1.37-1.52   
1.488-1.505   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Biaxial/+   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: P 21/a   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.017   

Clarity
Transparent   
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   

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Opal and Inderite Optic Character

Opal and Inderite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Opal and Inderite 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 Inderite 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. Inderite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Opal and Inderite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Inderite 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.

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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