Sodalite and Covellite Optical Properties

Sodalite

Covellite

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1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Greasy

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

AbsentWalter Schumann

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

0.02NA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.478-1.4881.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

cubic

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

Not AvailableNot Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Transparent

OpaqueAnthony et al

Sodalite and Covellite Optic Character

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

Similar to their colors, Sodalite 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, Sodalite is Opaque, Translucent and Transparent while Sodalite is Opaque, Translucent and Transparent in appearance.