Alunite and Austinite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
  
4.12
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
  
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
  
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
4-4.5
  
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
  
Alunite and Austinite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Austinite 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 Austinite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Alunite and Austinite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.