Covellite and Variscite Optical Properties

Covellite

Variscite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Resinous

Vitreous, Waxy

1.2 Pleochroism

Marked

MissingWalter Schumann

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

Translucent, Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges.

1.5 Refractive Index

1.45-2.621.560-1.594

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Hexagonal

Orthorhombic

1.8 Birefringence

Not Available0.031

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

OpaqueAnthony et al

Translucent

Covellite and Variscite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Covellite and Variscite 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.