“S” Hex: Faceting Design Diagram
Details and information on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts and facets suitable for different gems.
Tourmaline (Achroite, Dravite, Rubellite, Indicolite, Verdelite, Siberite)
"S" Hex (TLINE10.JRG)
By Jeff R. Graham
Copyright 1994
83.2% Light Return
Angles for R.I. = 1.62
49 facets + 6 facets on girdle = 55
6-fold, mirror-image symmetry
96 index
L/W = 1.155 T/W = 0.589 T/L = 0.510
P/W = 0.430 C/W = 0.196
H/W = (P+C)/W+0.02 = 0.647
P/H = 0.665 C/H = 0.304
Vol./W^3 = 0.251
Gram Book 1 - A fairly standard hex to cut, it has a very nice-star-in-a-star flash and a good light return. Any material in light to medium color is good, I cut this quite often, because Tourmaline crystals are often this shape. Cut in refractive index 1.62 to 2.14 (84.8%) 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
Advice For Grading Dark Colored Gemstones
Mint Tourmalines: Gemstones for Our Times
Rubellite Tourmaline Buying Guide
Latest Articles
800 Years of Mogok: A Celebration in Tenuous Times
What is the Average Gemstone Faceting Yield?
Pyroxmangite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
How to Identify Emerald Simulants and Synthetics
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!