Afghanite and Elbaite Physical Properties

Afghanite

Elbaite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.55-2.65

2.90-3.10

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect {10 1 0}

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5.5-6

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

Afghanite and Elbaite Chemical Formula

While comparing Afghanite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite 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 Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

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Afghanite and Elbaite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.