Albite and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
2.20-2.80
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Not Available
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
Not Available
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Albite and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite and Steatite 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 Steatite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Albite and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.