Charoite and Hessonite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Not Available
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Not Available
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Gemmological Tables (2004)
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.742-1.748
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Not Available
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Charoite and Hessonite Optic Character
Charoite and Hessonite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Hessonite 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 Hessonite 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 Hessonite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Hessonite 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.