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Opal and Taaffeite Optical Properties


Taaffeite and Opal Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Pearly   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
None   
Weak   

Dispersion
None   
0.02   
18

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references   

Refractive Index
1.37-1.52   
1.70-1.73   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Hexagonal   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.055   

Clarity
Transparent   
Color grading system   

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Opal and Taaffeite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Opal and Taaffeite 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


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