Austinite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.12
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
4-4.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Austinite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Austinite and Afghanite 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 Austinite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Austinite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Austinite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Austinite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Austinite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.