Anorthite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.77
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect [001] good [010] poor [110]
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Anorthite and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Anorthite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Anorthite- CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Anorthite and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Anorthite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Anorthite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Anorthite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.