Atacamite and Caledonite Physical Properties

Atacamite

Caledonite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.745-3.7765.6-5.76

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

[001] perfect; [100] distinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3-3.52.5-3

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Cu2Cl(OH)3

Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Atacamite and Caledonite Chemical Formula

While comparing Atacamite and Caledonite 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 Caledonite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Compare Green Gemstones

Atacamite Vs Cordierite

Atacamite Vs Clintonite

Atacamite Vs Chlorite group

Atacamite and Caledonite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Atacamite and Caledonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Atacamite and Caledonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Atacamite is 5.6-5.76 whereas that of Caledonite is 5.6-5.76.