Alunite and Anhydrite Physical Properties

Alunite

Anhydrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.6-2.92.90-2.98

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

On {0001}, perfect

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.5-43.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

Alunite and Anhydrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Alunite and Anhydrite 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 Alunite and Anhydrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

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Alunite and Anhydrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Anhydrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Anhydrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 2.90-2.98 whereas that of Anhydrite is 2.90-2.98.