Alabaster and Howlite Physical Properties

Alabaster and Howlite Chemical Formula

While comparing Alabaster and Howlite 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 Alabaster and Howlite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Alabaster- CaSO 4 · 2H 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
• Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Alabaster and Howlite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alabaster and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alabaster and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alabaster is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.