Apatite and Sphalerite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
3.16-3.23
3.95-4.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal to uneven
Uneven
Cleavage
[0001] indistinct, [1010] indistinct
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Chemical Composition
Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Apatite and Sphalerite Chemical Formula
While comparing Apatite and Sphalerite 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 Sphalerite 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 Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Apatite and Sphalerite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apatite and Sphalerite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apatite and Sphalerite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apatite is 3.95-4.10 whereas that of Sphalerite is 3.95-4.10.