Antigorite and Marcasite Physical Properties

Antigorite and Marcasite Chemical Formula

While comparing Antigorite and Marcasite 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 Marcasite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Antigorite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
• Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Antigorite and Marcasite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Antigorite and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Antigorite and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Antigorite is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.