Afghanite and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
  
2.20-2.80
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
  
Not Available
  
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
Afghanite and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Steatite 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 Steatite 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 Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Afghanite and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.