Astrophyllite and Moissanite Physical Properties

Astrophyllite

Moissanite

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

none

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.2-3.43.17-3.24

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Brittle, Metallic

Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]

(0001) indistinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

39-9.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Astrophyllite and Moissanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Astrophyllite and Moissanite 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 Moissanite 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 Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Compare Green Gemstones

Astrophyllite Vs Bloodstone Heliotrope

Astrophyllite Vs Blue John

Astrophyllite Vs Black Opal

Astrophyllite and Moissanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.