Albite and Moissanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
3.17-3.24
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
(0001) indistinct
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
9-9.5
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Albite and Moissanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite and Moissanite 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 Moissanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Albite and Moissanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.