Home
Gemstones


Opal and Richterite Optical Properties


Richterite and Opal Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Pearly   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
None   
Strong: pale yellow   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Not Available   

Refractive Index
1.37-1.52   
1.615   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
monoclinic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.021   

Clarity
Transparent   
Not Available   

Benefits >>
<< Physical Properties

Opal and Richterite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Richterite 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

Semi Precious


Compare Semi Precious Gemstones