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Refractive index
The amount of
refraction
that takes place in a particular substance, which is a direct connection to the speed of light in that substance. The higher the refractive index, the greater the amount of
dispersion
, which increase the brilliance of a material. The
refractive indices
of
gemstone
s are measured with a
refractometer
, which can often identify them.
See
Refractive Index
in Mineral Properties
for additional information.
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