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Wax Opal and Variscite Optical Properties


Variscite and Wax Opal Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Not Available   
Vitreous, Waxy   

Pleochroism
AbsentWalter Schumann   
MissingWalter Schumann   

Dispersion
Not Available   
Not Available   

Transparency
Translucent   
Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.   

Refractive Index
1.37-1.52   
1.560-1.594   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Not Available   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
Not Available   
0.031   

Clarity
Translucent   
Translucent   

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Wax Opal and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Wax Opal and Variscite 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, Wax Opal is Translucent while Wax Opal is Translucent in appearance.

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