Opal

Refractive Index
1.4500
Abbe Number
200.0
Crystal System
Isotropic (cubic)
Formation
Natural
Dispersion Data
Approximate (from n, V)
Fits
1

Refraction Fits

Fit #1— Cauchy from (n_D, V_D)

Cauchy approximation

Valid 0.38–0.78 µm

= 1.4500 = 200.0
n4004505005506006507007501.4481.4501.4521.4541.456

Amorphous hydrated silica. Dispersion is near-zero; play-of-color is structural, not refractive. V=200 gives a nearly flat Cauchy fit. Source: GIA / Winchell / Liddicoat gemological tables.

Absorption Specimens