Opal and Lepidocrocite Optical Properties

Opal

Lepidocrocite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Strong; X = colorless to yellow; Y = orange

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.940

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Opal and Lepidocrocite Optic Character

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

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Opal and Lepidocrocite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Lepidocrocite 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.