Opal and Marcasite Optical Properties

Opal

Marcasite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

None

NilArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.52Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Opal and Marcasite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Marcasite 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.