Alunite and Atacamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
  
3.745-3.776
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
  
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
3-3.5
  
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
Cu2Cl(OH)3
  
Alunite and Atacamite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Atacamite 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 Atacamite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Alunite and Atacamite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.