Charoite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Strong trichroism: colorless to yellowish
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.542-1.578
Optic Character
Not Available
Biaxial/+
Crystal System
Triclinic
Not Available
Birefringence
0.009
0.008-0.012
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent
Charoite and Cordierite Iolite Optic Character
Charoite and Cordierite Iolite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Cordierite Iolite 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 Cordierite Iolite 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. Cordierite Iolite has Biaxial/+ character.
Charoite and Cordierite Iolite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Cordierite Iolite 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.