Astrophyllite and Iolite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
  
2.6-2.7
  
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
  
Not Available
  
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
  
3,1
  
Mohs Hardness
3
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
  
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Astrophyllite and Iolite Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Iolite 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 Iolite 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 Iolite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Astrophyllite and Iolite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Iolite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Iolite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 2.6-2.7 whereas that of Iolite is 2.6-2.7.