Charoite and Labradorite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Chatoyant
Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Translucent, Transparent to translucent
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.554-1.573
Crystal System
Triclinic
Triclinic
Birefringence
0.009
0.008-0.010
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent
Charoite and Labradorite Optic Character
Charoite and Labradorite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Labradorite 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 Labradorite 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 Labradorite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Labradorite 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.