Afghanite and Iolite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
2.6-2.7
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Not Available
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
3,1
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Afghanite and Iolite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Iolite 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 Iolite 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 Iolite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Afghanite and Iolite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Iolite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Iolite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.6-2.7 whereas that of Iolite is 2.6-2.7.