Tourmaline and Alexandrite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Alexandrite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

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0.02

Rank: 22 (Overall)▶

Not Available

Rank: N/A (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

Transparent, Transparent to nearly opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.666

1.739-1.770

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040

0.007-0.010

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Tourmaline and Alexandrite Optic Character

Tourmaline and Alexandrite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Tourmaline and Alexandrite 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 Tourmaline and Alexandrite 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. Alexandrite has Biaxial/+ character.

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Tourmaline and Alexandrite Transparency

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