Atacamite and Anthophyllite Physical Properties

Atacamite

Anthophyllite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.745-3.776

2.9-3.5

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3-3.5

5.5-6

1.8 Chemical Composition

Cu2Cl(OH)3

(Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Atacamite and Anthophyllite Chemical Formula

While comparing Atacamite and Anthophyllite 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 Anthophyllite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Chemical formula of Anthophyllite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Compare Green Gemstones

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Atacamite and Anthophyllite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Atacamite and Anthophyllite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Atacamite and Anthophyllite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Atacamite is 2.9-3.5 whereas that of Anthophyllite is 2.9-3.5.