Charoite and Howlite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
NilArthur Thomas
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.583-1.608
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
monoclinic
Birefringence
0.009
0.019
Clarity
Translucent
Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Charoite and Howlite Optic Character
Charoite and Howlite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Howlite 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 Howlite 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 Howlite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Howlite 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.