Turquoise and Omphacite Optical Properties

Turquoise

Omphacite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Waxy

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green

1.3 Dispersion

NoneNA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent, Opaque

TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.610-1.6501.662-1.723

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Triclinic

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

TranslucentAnthony et al

Turquoise and Omphacite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Turquoise and Omphacite 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, Turquoise is Opaque and Translucent while Turquoise is Opaque and Translucent in appearance.