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Ruby and Harlequin Opal Optical Properties


Harlequin Opal and Ruby Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Not Available   

Pleochroism
Strong: purplish-red   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
None   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.778   
1.37-1.52   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Not Available   

Birefringence
0.008   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Ruby and Harlequin Opal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Ruby and Harlequin 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, Ruby is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Ruby is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.

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