Astrophyllite and Spodumene Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
3.15-3.21
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
LiAlSi2O6
Astrophyllite and Spodumene Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Spodumene 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 Spodumene 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 Spodumene- LiAlSi2O6
Astrophyllite and Spodumene Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Spodumene Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Spodumene Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 3.15-3.21 whereas that of Spodumene is 3.15-3.21.