Afghanite and Barite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
4.48
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
{010} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
BaSO4
Afghanite and Barite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Barite 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 Barite 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 Barite- BaSO4
Afghanite and Barite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Barite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Barite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 4.48 whereas that of Barite is 4.48.