Charoite and Siderite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Chatoyant
Pearly
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Translucent
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.633-1.875
Crystal System
Triclinic
Trigonal
Birefringence
0.009
0.242
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent
Charoite and Siderite Optic Character
Charoite and Siderite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Siderite 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 Siderite 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 Siderite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Siderite 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.