Alunite and Covellite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Flexible
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
4.6-4.76
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
Perfect on {0001}
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
Not Available
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Covellite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Covellite 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 Covellite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Covellite- CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Covellite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Covellite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Covellite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 4.6-4.76 whereas that of Covellite is 4.6-4.76.