Afghanite and Moonstone Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
2.56-2.60
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
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)
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Afghanite and Moonstone Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Moonstone 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 Moonstone 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 Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Afghanite and Moonstone Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.