Charoite and Tortoiseshell Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Not Available
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Not Available
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
Gemmological Tables (2004)
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.540-1.560
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Not Available
Birefringence
0.009
Not Available
Clarity
Translucent
OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda
Charoite and Tortoiseshell Optic Character
Charoite and Tortoiseshell optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Tortoiseshell 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 Tortoiseshell 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 Tortoiseshell Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Tortoiseshell 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.