Atacamite and Anthophyllite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.745-3.776
2.9-3.5
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
5.5-6
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)
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.