Opal and Moldavite Optical Properties

Opal

Moldavite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Absent

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.48-1.54

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Opal and Moldavite Optic Character

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

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Opal and Moldavite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Moldavite 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.