Afghanite and Atacamite Physical Properties

Afghanite

Atacamite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.55-2.65

3.745-3.776

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect {10 1 0}

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5.5-6

3-3.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Cu2Cl(OH)3

Afghanite and Atacamite Chemical Formula

While comparing Afghanite and Atacamite 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 Atacamite 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 Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3

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Afghanite and Atacamite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.