Astrophyllite and Moissanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
3.17-3.24
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
(0001) indistinct
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)
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.