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Sapphire and Obsidian Optical Properties


Obsidian and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
AbsentWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
0.01   
29

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent, Translucent   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.450-1.550   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Amorphous   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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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 Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Sapphire is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.

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