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Tourmaline
Tourmaline

Cordierite Iolite
Cordierite Iolite



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Tourmaline
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Cordierite Iolite

Tourmaline and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties

1 Optical Properties
1.1 Luster
Vitreous
Vitreous
1.2 Pleochroism
typically moderate to strong
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish
1.3 Dispersion
0.020.02
Fluorite Optical Properties
0.007 1
1.4 Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque
Transparent
1.5 Refractive Index
1.614-1.6661.542-1.578
Agate Opal
1 3.25
1.6 Optic Character
Not Available
Biaxial/+
1.7 Crystal System
Trigonal
Not Available
1.8 Birefringence
0.014-0.0400.008-0.012
Achroite
0 0.296
1.9 Clarity
Transparent
Transparent

Tourmaline and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character

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

Tourmaline and Cordierite Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Cordierite Iolite 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.