Optimal Hex: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one is called "Optimal Hex".
Tourmaline (Achroite, Dravite, Rubellite, Indicolite, Verdelite, Siberite)
Optimal Hex (B23.JRG)
By Jeff R. Graham
Copyright 2001
90.5% Light Return
Angles for R.I. = 1.62
61 facets + 6 facets on girdle = 67
3-fold, mirror-image symmetry
96 index
L/W = 1.073 T/W = 0.488 T/L = 0.455
P/W = 0.472 C/W = 0.153
H/W = (P+C)/W+0.02 = 0.645
P/H = 0.732 C/H = 0.237
Vol./W^3 = 0.246
Addition # 5 - This is fast and fairly easy to cut and works well in almost any material. This is designed for the "c" axis crystal shape that is fairly common in Tourmaline. It will work in R.I. 1.62 to 1.76 (88.9%) with no changes.
Random - Cosine - ISO
Detailed faceting instructions by Jeff Graham available at The Rock Peddler
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Tourmaline Gem, Price, and Jewelry Information
Trapiche Gems: An Introduction
Faceting Survey Results – Polishing – Tourmaline
How Do Tourmalines Form?
Latest Articles
Opal Buying Guide
Amethyst Sources Around the World: The Geological Story Behind These Purple Gemstones
Brazilianite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Ruby-Glass Composites vs Leaded Glass Clarity Enhancements
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!