Opal and Schultenite Optical Properties

Opal

Schultenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Vitreous, Adamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

TransparentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.890-1.976

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

TransparentAnthony et al

Opal and Schultenite Optic Character

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

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Opal and Schultenite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Opal and Schultenite 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.