Austinite and Ettringite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Partially soluble in water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.12
1.77
Fracture
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Not Available
Cleavage
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Perfect on {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
4-4.5
2-2.5
Chemical Composition
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Austinite and Ettringite Chemical Formula
While comparing Austinite and Ettringite 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 Ettringite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
- Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Austinite and Ettringite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Austinite and Ettringite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Austinite and Ettringite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Austinite is 1.77 whereas that of Ettringite is 1.77.