Quartz and Opal Optical Properties

Quartz

Opal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Pearly

1.2 Pleochroism

None

1.3 Dispersion

0.01None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.544-1.5531.37-1.52

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.009Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Opaque

Transparent

Quartz and Opal Optic Character

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

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