Charoite and Purpurite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Not Available
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
StrongArthur Thomas
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
TranslucentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.85-1.92
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Orthorhombic
Birefringence
0.009
0.070
Clarity
Translucent
TranslucentWalter Schumann
Charoite and Purpurite Optic Character
Charoite and Purpurite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Purpurite 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 Purpurite 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 Purpurite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Purpurite 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.