Tourmaline and Pyromorphite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Pyromorphite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Resinous, Subadamantine

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Transparent

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6662.042-2.059

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.010

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Tourmaline and Pyromorphite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Pyromorphite 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.