Opal and Sphene Optical Properties

Opal

Sphene

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

None

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.37-1.521.84-2.11

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Color grading system

Opal and Sphene Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Sphene 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.