Opal and Melanite Optical Properties

Opal

Melanite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Subadamantine, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

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None

Rank: N/A (Overall)▶

0.06

Rank: 7 (Overall)▶

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Fluorite Optical Properties

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0.044 (Anglesite Opt..)

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1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.52

1.855-1.895

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Translucent

Opal and Melanite Optic Character

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

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal and Melanite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Melanite 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

Tanzanite

Tourmaline

Turquoise

Peridot

Lehsunia

Alexandrite