Charoite and Zincite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Subadamantine, Resinous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Very weak
Dispersion
Not Available
Not Available
Transparency
Translucent
TransparentRobert C. Kammerling, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
2.013-2.029
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Hexagonal
Birefringence
0.009
0.016
Clarity
Translucent
TransparentRobert C. Kammerling
Charoite and Zincite Optic Character
Charoite and Zincite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Zincite 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 Zincite 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 Zincite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Zincite 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.