Afghanite and Antigorite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
2.58-2.80
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic, Conchoidal, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
{001} Good
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Afghanite and Antigorite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Antigorite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Afghanite and Antigorite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Antigorite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Afghanite and Antigorite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Antigorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Antigorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.58-2.80 whereas that of Antigorite is 2.58-2.80.