Astrophyllite and Atacamite Physical Properties

Astrophyllite

Atacamite

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.2-3.4

3.745-3.776

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Brittle, Metallic

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3-3.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Cu2Cl(OH)3

Astrophyllite and Atacamite Chemical Formula

While comparing Astrophyllite and Atacamite 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 Atacamite 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 Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3

Compare Green Gemstones

Astrophyllite Vs Bloodstone Heliotrope

Astrophyllite Vs Blue John

Astrophyllite Vs Black Opal

Astrophyllite and Atacamite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.