Astrophyllite and Apatite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
3.16-3.23
Fracture
Uneven
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal to uneven
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
[0001] indistinct, [1010] indistinct
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Astrophyllite and Apatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Apatite 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 Apatite 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 Apatite- Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,OH,Cl)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Astrophyllite and Apatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Apatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Apatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 3.16-3.23 whereas that of Apatite is 3.16-3.23.