Tourmaline and Hematite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Hematite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

O = brownish red; E = yellowish red

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6662.690-3.220

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.280

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Tourmaline and Hematite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Hematite 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.