Tourmaline and Clinozoisite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Clinozoisite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

StrongArthur Thomas

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.666

1.670-1.734

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040

0.006-0.011

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Tourmaline and Clinozoisite Optic Character

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

Tourmaline Vs Citrine

Tourmaline Vs Beryl

Tourmaline and Clinozoisite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Clinozoisite 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