Antigorite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.58-2.80
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic, Conchoidal, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{001} Good
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
5-5.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Antigorite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Antigorite 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 Antigorite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Antigorite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Antigorite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Antigorite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Antigorite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Antigorite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.