Diamond and Tourmaline Optical Properties

Diamond

Tourmaline

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

typically moderate to strong

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

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0.04

Rank: 10 (Overall)▶

0.02

Rank: 22 (Overall)▶

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Fluorite Optical Properties

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0.044 (Anglesite Opt..)

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1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

2.417-2.419

1.614-1.666

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available

0.014-0.040

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Diamond and Tourmaline Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Diamond and Tourmaline 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, Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque while Diamond is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.