Charoite and Sugilite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Translucent
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.607-1.612
Crystal System
Triclinic
Hexagonal
Birefringence
0.009
0.003
Clarity
Translucent
Translucent
Charoite and Sugilite Optic Character
Charoite and Sugilite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Sugilite 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 Sugilite 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 Sugilite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Sugilite 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.