Alunite and Turquoise Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
  
2.30-2.90
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
  
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
  
Good to perfect_usually N/A
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
5-6
  
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 • 4H2O
  
Alunite and Turquoise Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Turquoise 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 Turquoise chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Turquoise- CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 • 4H2O
Alunite and Turquoise Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Turquoise Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Turquoise Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 2.30-2.90 whereas that of Turquoise is 2.30-2.90.