Charoite and Bixbite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Not Available
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Not Available
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Not Available
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
Not Available
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Hexagonal
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
Not Available
Charoite and Bixbite Optic Character
Charoite and Bixbite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Bixbite 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 Charoite and Bixbite 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.
Charoite and Bixbite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Bixbite 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, Charoite is Translucent while Charoite is Translucent in appearance.