Tourmaline and Cordierite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Cordierite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Greasy, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

X = pale yellow

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.666Not Available

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Tourmaline and Cordierite Optic Character

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

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Tourmaline and Cordierite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Cordierite 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.