Tourmaline and Obsidian Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Obsidian

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

AbsentWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

0.020.01

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent, Translucent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.450-1.550

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

Tourmaline and Obsidian Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Obsidian 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.