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Transparency of Gemstones

 

 

 

Transparency is the degree to which light is transmitted through a gemstone.

The terms used to differentiate the degree of light transmission through a gemstone are:

  • Transparent. Light passes through relatively unobstructed. An image or object can be seen through the gemstone with very little distortion (other than due to facets or double refraction).
     
  • Semitransparent. Light passes through but is slightly diffused. An image or object can be seen through the gemstone but with an indistinct outline or slightly distorted.
     
  • Tanslucent. Light passes through but objects cannot be distinguished through the gemstone.
     
  • Semitranslucent. Light passes through only at the thin edges of the gemstone.
     
  • Opaque. No light is transmitted through even at the thin edges of the gemstone.

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