Albite and Microcline Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
2.55-2.63
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Uneven, Uneven, Gems
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
{001} Perfect, {010} Good
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Albite and Microcline Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite and Microcline 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 Microcline chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Microcline- KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Albite and Microcline Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Microcline Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Microcline Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 2.55-2.63 whereas that of Microcline is 2.55-2.63.