Astrophyllite and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.2-3.4
2.20-2.80
Fracture
Uneven, Brittle, Metallic
Not Available
Cleavage
Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
3
Not Available
Chemical Composition
(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Astrophyllite and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Astrophyllite and Steatite 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 Steatite 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 Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Astrophyllite and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Astrophyllite and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Astrophyllite and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Astrophyllite is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.