Charoite and Omphacite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Weak: colorless -- very pale green -- very pale green
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
TranslucentAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.662-1.723
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Not Available
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
TranslucentAnthony et al
Charoite and Omphacite Optic Character
Charoite and Omphacite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Omphacite 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 Omphacite 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 Omphacite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Omphacite 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.