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Topaz and Tourmaline Optical Properties


Tourmaline and Topaz Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
Weak   
typically moderate to strong   

Dispersion
0.01   
26
0.02   
22

Transparency
Transparent   
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   

Refractive Index
1.606-1.644   
1.614-1.666   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Orthorhombic   
Trigonal   

Birefringence
0.008-0.011   
0.014-0.040   

Clarity
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda   
Transparent   

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Topaz and Tourmaline Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Topaz 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, Topaz is Transparent while Topaz is Transparent in appearance.

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