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Sapphire and Onyx Optical Properties


Onyx and Sapphire Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Strong   
Not Available   

Dispersion
0.02   
21
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.762-1.788   
1.530-1.543   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.009   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   

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Sapphire and Onyx Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sapphire and Onyx 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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