Astrophyllite and Albite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Astrophyllite and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Albite 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 Astrophyllite and Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Astrophyllite- (K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Astrophyllite and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.