Astrophyllite and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
2.20-2.40
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Astrophyllite and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Gypsum 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 Gypsum 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 Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Astrophyllite and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.