Afghanite and Zircon Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
  
3.93-4.73
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
  
{110} and {111}
  
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
  
7.5
  
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
ZrSiO4
  
Afghanite and Zircon Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Zircon 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 Zircon 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 Zircon- ZrSiO4
Afghanite and Zircon Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Zircon Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Zircon Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 3.93-4.73 whereas that of Zircon is 3.93-4.73.