Opal and Malachite Optical Properties

Opal

Malachite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Fibrous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.655-1.909

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.254

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Opal and Malachite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Malachite 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.