Rhodochrosite and Covellite Optical Properties

Rhodochrosite

Covellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

Weak

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.601.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Trigonal

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.208-0.220Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent to nearly opaque

OpaqueAnthony et al

Rhodochrosite and Covellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Rhodochrosite 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, Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque while Rhodochrosite is Opaque, Transparent and Transparent to nearly opaque in appearance.