Atacamite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.745-3.776
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Chemical Composition
Cu2Cl(OH)3
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Atacamite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Atacamite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Atacamite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Atacamite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Atacamite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Atacamite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.