Tourmaline and Zinnwaldite Optical Properties

Tourmaline

Zinnwaldite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Pearly, Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

typically moderate to strong

Distinct

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to opaque

Not Available

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.565-1.625

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

monoclinic

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.0400.040-0.050

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

Not Available

Tourmaline and Zinnwaldite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Tourmaline and Zinnwaldite 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 Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque while Tourmaline is Transparent, Translucent and Transparent to opaque in appearance.