Alunite and Cuprite Physical Properties
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
5.85-6.15
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Cuprite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Cuprite 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 Cuprite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Alunite and Cuprite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Cuprite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Cuprite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 5.85-6.15 whereas that of Cuprite is 5.85-6.15.