Tourmaline and Rock Crystal Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Rock Crystal

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

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

TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.544-1.553

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Not Available

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.009

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentWalter Schumann

Tourmaline and Rock Crystal Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Rock Crystal 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.