Alunite and Moissanite Physical Properties

Alunite

Moissanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

none

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.6-2.93.17-3.24

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

On {0001}, perfect

(0001) indistinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.5-49-9.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Alunite and Moissanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Alunite and Moissanite 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 Moissanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Alunite and Moissanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.