Apatite and Fluorite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
slightly water soluble and in hot hydrochloric acid
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.16-3.23
3.00-3.25
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal to uneven
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cleavage
[0001] indistinct, [1010] indistinct
Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011}
Chemical Composition
Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
CaF2
Apatite and Fluorite Chemical Formula
While comparing Apatite and Fluorite 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 Fluorite 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 Fluorite- CaF2
Apatite and Fluorite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apatite and Fluorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apatite and Fluorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apatite is 3.00-3.25 whereas that of Fluorite is 3.00-3.25.