Tourmaline and Clinochlore Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Clinochlore

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Pearly, Greasy

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Distinct: light yellow-green to light bluE

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.571-1.597

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

Biaxial/+

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: C 2/m

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Tourmaline and Clinochlore Optic Character

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

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Tourmaline Vs Beryl

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Tourmaline Vs Amethyst

Tourmaline and Clinochlore Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Clinochlore 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.