Charoite and Hibonite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
O = brownish gray; E = gray
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.79-1.807
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Hexagonal
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Charoite and Hibonite Optic Character
Charoite and Hibonite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Hibonite 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 Hibonite 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 Hibonite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Hibonite 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.