Anhydrite and Gypsum Physical Properties

Anhydrite

Gypsum

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Flexible

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-2.982.20-2.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.52

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Anhydrite and Gypsum Chemical Formula

While comparing Anhydrite and Gypsum 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 Anhydrite and Gypsum chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Anhydrite and Gypsum Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Anhydrite and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Anhydrite and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Anhydrite is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.