Charoite and Covellite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Resinous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Marked
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
OpaqueAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) More from other references
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.45-2.62
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Hexagonal
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
OpaqueAnthony et al
Charoite and Covellite Optic Character
Charoite and Covellite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Covellite 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 Covellite 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 Covellite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Covellite 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.