Global Gemology - Rare Gems & Jewels
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Birefringence


A refractometer is a tool gemologists use to measure a gem's double refraction, known as its birefringence.
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Doubly refractive gems split light into 2, and sometimes 3 directions once it enters the gem.

Birefringence is the measure of a gem's double refraction.

Some gems, like ekanite, have a very small birefringence of 0.001 while other gems, such as tourmaline, are known to have high birefringences of 0.018 to 0.020.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • SHOP
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • DECORATIVE PRINTS
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • APPRAISALS
    • INSURANCE
    • DIVORCE
    • ESTATE TAX
    • ESTATE DISTRIBUTION
    • CHARITABLE DONATION
    • LIQUIDATION
    • APPRAISALS THRU EMAIL
  • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY
  • BLOG