Tourmaline and Zincite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Zincite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Subadamantine, Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Very weak

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6662.013-2.029

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.016

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

TransparentRobert C. Kammerling

Tourmaline and Zincite Optic Character

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

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Tourmaline Vs Beryl

Tourmaline Vs Amethyst

Tourmaline Vs Citrine

Tourmaline and Zincite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Zincite 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.