Tourmaline and Idocrase Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Idocrase

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Not Available

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.67-1.76

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

tetragonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Color grading system

Tourmaline and Idocrase Optic Character

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

Tourmaline Vs Citrine

Tourmaline Vs Amethyst

Tourmaline and Idocrase Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Idocrase 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.