Tourmaline and Lapis lazuli Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Lapis lazuli

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Vitreous, Greasy

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

Opaque

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.500-1.670

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.040Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Gemstones of the world (2001)

Tourmaline and Lapis lazuli Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Lapis lazuli 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.