Аннотация:Results are presented from the spectral classification of the cool component in the CH Cyg system in the quiescent and active phases. During the observed active phases, the spectral type is constant within + or - 0.4 of a subclass and is classified as M(6.9 + or - 0.4) III. The contribution of a hotter source is visible in the region below 0.8 micron, resulting in a quiescent-phase spectral type of about M5 and an active phase type less than M4. An analysis of spectral and multicolor photometric observations between 1975 and 1988 is used to examine the nature of dust particles in the dust envelope which formed in 1987.