Albite and Sunstone Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
2.62-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
001
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Albite and Sunstone Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite and Sunstone 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 Sunstone chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Sunstone- Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Albite and Sunstone Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Sunstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Sunstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 2.62-2.65 whereas that of Sunstone is 2.62-2.65.