Charoite and Hematite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Not Available
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
O = brownish red; E = yellowish red
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
2.690-3.220
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Trigonal
Birefringence
0.009
0.280
Clarity
Translucent
OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli
Charoite and Hematite Optic Character
Charoite and Hematite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Hematite 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 Hematite 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 Hematite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Hematite 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.