Pearl and Common Opal Optical Properties

Pearl

Common Opal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Pearly

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNone

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque

Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.52-1.661.37-1.52

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.156Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

Pearl and Common Opal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Pearl and Common Opal 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, Pearl is Opaque and Translucent while Pearl is Opaque and Translucent in appearance.