Thulite and Tourmaline Optical Properties

Thulite

Tourmaline

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Present

typically moderate to strong

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.02

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Opaque, Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections.

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.6951.614-1.666

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.006-0.0180.014-0.040

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Transparent

Thulite and Tourmaline Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Thulite 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, Thulite is Opaque, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. and Translucent while Thulite is Opaque, Opaque . May be translucent in thin backlit sections. and Translucent in appearance.