Index of Refraction Values

Each material has its own unique index of refraction (n) value. The table below displays n values for various materials.

Materials and their Refractive Index, first of 2 tables

Vacuum

Index of Refraction
For Row Vacuum

\(1.0000\)

Air

Index of Refraction
For Row Air

\(1.0003\)

Ice

Index of Refraction
For Row Ice

\(1.309\)

Water

Index of Refraction
For Row Water

\(1.333\)

Ethyl Alcohol

Index of Refraction
For Row Ethyl Alcohol

\(1.361\)

Teflon

Index of Refraction
For Row Teflon

\(1.38\)

Fluorite

Index of Refraction
For Row Fluorite

\(1.434\)

Glycerine

Index of Refraction
For Row Glycerine

\(1.473\)

Benzene

Index of Refraction
For Row Benzene

\(1.501\)

Plexiglass

Index of Refraction
For Row Plexiglass

\(1.51\)

Materials and their Refractive Index, second of 2 tables

Crown Glass

Index of Refraction
For Row Crown Glass

\(1.52\)

Light Flint Glass

Index of Refraction
For Row Light Flint Glass

\(1.58\)

Polycarbonate Glass

Index of Refraction
For Row Polycarbonate Glass

\(1.59\)

Dense Flint Glass

Index of Refraction
For Row Dense Flint Glass

\(1.66\)

Sapphire Gemstone

Index of Refraction
For Row Sapphire Gemstone

\(1.77\)

Zircon

Index of Refraction
For Row Zircon

\(1.923\)

Diamond

Index of Refraction
For Row Diamond

\(2.417\)

Rutile

Index of Refraction
For Row Rutile

\(2.907\)

Gallium Phosphide

Index of Refraction
For Row Gallium Phosphide

\(3.50\)