Albite and Howlite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
None
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Albite and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite 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 Albite and Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Albite and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.