Elbaite and Covellite Optical Properties

Elbaite

Covellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Pale green

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.614-1.6661.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.014-0.032Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueAnthony et al

Elbaite and Covellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Elbaite and Covellite 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, Elbaite is Transparent while Elbaite is Transparent in appearance.