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Tourmaline and Hurlbutite Optical Properties


Hurlbutite and Tourmaline Optical Properties


Optical Properties

Luster
Vitreous   
Vitreous   

Pleochroism
typically moderate to strong   
Not Available   

Dispersion
0.02   
22
Not Available   

Transparency
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque   
Transparent   

Refractive Index
1.614-1.666   
1.595-1.604   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Monoclinic Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: P 21/a   

Birefringence
0.014-0.040   
0.009   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent   

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Tourmaline and Hurlbutite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Hurlbutite 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

Semi Precious


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