Apatite and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.16-3.23
2.20-2.40
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal to uneven
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
[0001] indistinct, [1010] indistinct
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Chemical Composition
Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Apatite and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Apatite and Gypsum 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 Gypsum 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 Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Apatite and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apatite and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apatite and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apatite is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.