Quartz and Tourmaline Optical Properties

Quartz

Tourmaline

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

None

typically moderate to strong

1.3 Dispersion

0.010.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.544-1.5531.614-1.666

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.0090.014-0.040

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Opaque

Transparent

Quartz and Tourmaline Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Quartz 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, Quartz is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent while Quartz is Translucent, Transparent and Transparent to translucent in appearance.