Afghanite and Bytownite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
2.72-2.75
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
Perfect on [001], good on [010], imperfect on [110]
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Ca(70-90%)Na(30-10%)(Al,Si)AlSi 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Afghanite and Bytownite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Bytownite 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 Bytownite 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 Bytownite- Ca(70-90%)Na(30-10%)(Al,Si)AlSi 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Afghanite and Bytownite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Bytownite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Bytownite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.72-2.75 whereas that of Bytownite is 2.72-2.75.