Tourmaline and Barite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Barite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

colorless.

1.3 Dispersion

Albite Optical ..

⊕

▶

▼

0.02

Rank: 22 (Overall)▶

Not Available

Rank: N/A (Overall)▶

▲

Fluorite Optical Properties

⊕

▶

0.044 (Anglesite Opt..)

◀ ▶ ADD ⊕

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.666

Not Available

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040

Not Available

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Tourmaline and Barite Optic Character

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

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Tourmaline Vs Beryl

Tourmaline Vs Amethyst

Tourmaline Vs Citrine

Tourmaline and Barite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Barite 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.

Semi Precious

Turquoise

Peridot

Lehsunia

Alexandrite

Amethyst

Beryl