Austinite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.12
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
4-4.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Austinite and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Austinite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Austinite and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Austinite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Austinite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Austinite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.