Alunite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Alunite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Alunite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.