Covellite and Dioptase Optical Properties

Covellite

Dioptase

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Resinous

Vitreous

1.2 Pleochroism

Marked

Weak; dark emerald green

1.3 Dispersion

NA0.04

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

OpaqueAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) More from other references

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

1.5 Refractive Index

1.45-2.621.644-1.720

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Trigonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.051-0.053

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueAnthony et al

TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli

Covellite and Dioptase Optic Character

Covellite and Dioptase optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Covellite and Dioptase 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 Covellite and Dioptase 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.

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Covellite and Dioptase Transparency

Similar to their colors, Covellite and Dioptase 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, Covellite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) More from other references and OpaqueAnthony et al while Covellite is Handbook of mineralogy (2001) More from other references and OpaqueAnthony et al in appearance.