Variscite and Covellite Optical Properties

Variscite

Covellite

Add ⊕

1 Optical Properties

1.1 Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Resinous

1.2 Pleochroism

MissingWalter Schumann

Marked

1.3 Dispersion

NANA

0.007 1

1.4 Transparency

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

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

1.5 Refractive Index

1.560-1.5941.45-2.62

1 3.25

1.6 Optic Character

Not Available

1.7 Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hexagonal

1.8 Birefringence

0.031Not Available

0 0.296

1.9 Clarity

Translucent

OpaqueAnthony et al

Variscite and Covellite Optic Character

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

Compare Gems for Virgo

Variscite Vs Amazonite

Variscite Vs Garnet

Variscite Vs Aragonite

Variscite and Covellite Transparency

Similar to their colors, Variscite 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, Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent while Variscite is Opaque . May be translucent when backlit on the edges. and Translucent in appearance.