Anorthite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.77
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect [001] good [010] poor [110]
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Anorthite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Anorthite and Afghanite 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 Anorthite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Anorthite- CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Anorthite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Anorthite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Anorthite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Anorthite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.