Alunite and Bustamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Partly soluble in HCl.
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
3.32-3.43
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
{100} perfect; {110} and {1 1 0} good; {010} poor
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
(Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Bustamite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Bustamite 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 Bustamite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Bustamite- (Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Bustamite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Bustamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Bustamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 3.32-3.43 whereas that of Bustamite is 3.32-3.43.