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Turquoise and Onyx Optical Properties


Onyx and Turquoise Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Waxy   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Weak   
Not Available   

Dispersion
None   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent, Opaque   
Translucent, Opaque, Translucent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.610-1.650   
1.530-1.543   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Triclinic   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.040   
Not Available   

Clarity
Translucent   
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli   

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Turquoise and Onyx Optic Character

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

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

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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