Atacamite and Alunite Physical Properties

Atacamite

Alunite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.745-3.7762.6-2.9

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

On {0001}, perfect

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3-3.53.5-4

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Cu2Cl(OH)3

KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

Atacamite and Alunite Chemical Formula

While comparing Atacamite and Alunite 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 Atacamite and Alunite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

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Atacamite and Alunite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Atacamite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Atacamite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Atacamite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.