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Tourmaline and Iolite Optical Properties


Iolite 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, Translucent, Transparent to translucent   

Refractive Index
1.614-1.666   
1.52-1.56   

Optic Character
Not Available   
Not Available   

Crystal System
Trigonal   
Orthorhombic   

Birefringence
0.014-0.040   
Not Available   

Clarity
Transparent   
Transparent to translucent   

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Tourmaline and Iolite Optic Character

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

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Tourmaline and Iolite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and 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.

Semi Precious

Semi Precious


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