Ruby and Tourmaline Optical Properties

Ruby

Tourmaline

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine, Vitreous, Adamantine

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Strong: purplish-red

typically moderate to strong

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.762-1.7781.614-1.666

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.0080.014-0.040

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Ruby and Tourmaline Optic Character

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

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