Charoite and Sodalite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Greasy
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
AbsentWalter Schumann
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.478-1.488
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
cubic
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent
Charoite and Sodalite Optic Character
Charoite and Sodalite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Sodalite 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 Sodalite 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 Sodalite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Sodalite 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.