Shattuckite and Covellite Optical Properties

Shattuckite

Covellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Silky

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

X = very pale blue; Y = pale blue; Z = deep blue

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Translucent

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.752-1.8151.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.063Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

OpaqueAnthony et al

Shattuckite and Covellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Shattuckite 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, Shattuckite is Translucent while Shattuckite is Translucent in appearance.