Tourmaline and Tugtupite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Tugtupite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Not Available

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

ModerateArthur Thomas

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.494-1.504

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

tetragonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.008

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Tourmaline and Tugtupite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Tugtupite 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.