Sapphire and Obsidian Optical Properties

Sapphire

Obsidian

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Optical Properties

Luster

Pleochroism

Dispersion

Transparency

Refractive Index

Optic Character

Crystal System

Birefringence

Clarity

Vitreous, Adamantine

Strong

0.02

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.762-1.788

Trigonal

0.008-0.009

Transparent

Vitreous

0.01

Transparent, Translucent

1.450-1.550

-9999

Transparent

Sapphire and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Obsidian 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, Sapphire is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque while Sapphire is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.