Apatite and Bastnasite Physical Properties

Apatite and Bastnasite Chemical Formula

While comparing Apatite and Bastnasite 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 Bastnasite 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 Bastnasite- (Ce,La)(CO 3)FMichael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Apatite and Bastnasite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apatite and Bastnasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apatite and Bastnasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apatite is 4.95-5.0 whereas that of Bastnasite is 4.95-5.0.