Apatite and Anhydrite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
3.16-3.23
2.90-2.98
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal to uneven
Conchoidal
Cleavage
[0001] indistinct, [1010] indistinct
Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.
Chemical Composition
Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Apatite and Anhydrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Apatite and Anhydrite 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 Apatite and Anhydrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Apatite- Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Apatite and Anhydrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apatite and Anhydrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apatite and Anhydrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apatite is 2.90-2.98 whereas that of Anhydrite is 2.90-2.98.