Opal and Sapphire Optical Properties

Opal

Sapphire

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Optical Properties

Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous, Adamantine

Pleochroism

None

Strong

Dispersion

0.010.02

0.005 1

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Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.762-1.788

1 3.25

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Optic Character

Crystal System

Trigonal

Birefringence

-99990.008-0.009

0 0.296

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Clarity

Transparent

Opal and Sapphire Optic Character

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

Opal Vs Simpsonite

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Opal and Sapphire Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Sapphire 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 Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent while Opal is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.