Sodalite and Obsidian Optical Properties

Sodalite

Obsidian

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.478-1.4881.450-1.550

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Sodalite and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Sagittarius

Sodalite Vs Zircon

Sodalite Vs Copper

Sodalite Vs Iolite

Sodalite and Obsidian Transparency

Similar to their colors, Sodalite 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, Sodalite is Opaque, Translucent and Transparent while Sodalite is Opaque, Translucent and Transparent in appearance.