Tourmaline and Jet Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Jet

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.02None

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.640-1.680

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Amorphous

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references

Tourmaline and Jet Optic Character

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

Tourmaline Vs Citrine

Tourmaline and Jet Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Jet 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.