Afghanite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Afghanite and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite 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 Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Afghanite and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.