Alexandrite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.69-3.81
  
2.55-2.65
  
Fracture
Not Available
  
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
1,1 ; 3,2.
  
Perfect {10 1 0}
  
Mohs Hardness
8.5
  
5.5-6
  
Chemical Composition
BeAl 2 O 4
  
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Alexandrite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alexandrite and Afghanite 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 Alexandrite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alexandrite- BeAl 2 O 4
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Alexandrite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alexandrite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alexandrite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alexandrite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.