Charoite and Natrolite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous, Silky, Pearly
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
NilArthur Thomas
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Translucent
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.478-1.493
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Orthorhombic
Birefringence
0.009
0.012-0.013
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent
Charoite and Natrolite Optic Character
Charoite and Natrolite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Natrolite 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 Natrolite 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 Natrolite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Natrolite 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.