Tourmaline and Bowenite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Bowenite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Waxy, Silky, Resinous, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.530-1.575

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Tourmaline and Bowenite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Bowenite 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.