Austinite and Howlite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.12
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
None
Mohs Hardness
4-4.5
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Austinite and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Austinite and Howlite 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 Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Austinite and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Austinite and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Austinite and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Austinite is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.