Austinite and Anthophyllite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.12
2.9-3.5
Fracture
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
4-4.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Austinite and Anthophyllite Chemical Formula
While comparing Austinite 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 Austinite and Anthophyllite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
- Chemical formula of Anthophyllite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Austinite and Anthophyllite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Austinite and Anthophyllite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Austinite and Anthophyllite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Austinite is 2.9-3.5 whereas that of Anthophyllite is 2.9-3.5.