Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite Physical Properties

Astrophyllite

Rhodochrosite

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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

3.0-3.3

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Brittle, Metallic

Uneven, Conchoidal, Conchoidal to uneven, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]

On {10 1 1} perfect; parting on {10 1 2}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.5-4

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

MnCO₃

Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite Chemical Formula

While comparing Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite 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 Rhodochrosite 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 Rhodochrosite- MnCO₃

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Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Rhodochrosite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 3.0-3.3 whereas that of Rhodochrosite is 3.0-3.3.