Anthophyllite and Atacamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.9-3.5
3.745-3.776
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cu2Cl(OH)3
Anthophyllite and Atacamite Chemical Formula
While comparing Anthophyllite and Atacamite 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 Anthophyllite and Atacamite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Anthophyllite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Anthophyllite and Atacamite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Anthophyllite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Anthophyllite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Anthophyllite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.