Apophyllite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.30-2.50
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect on (001)
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
4.5-5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
KCa 4Si 8O 20(F,OH) · 8H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Apophyllite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Apophyllite and Esperite 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 Apophyllite and Esperite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Apophyllite- KCa 4Si 8O 20(F,OH) · 8H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Apophyllite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Apophyllite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Apophyllite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Apophyllite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.