Baryte and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Not Available
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Baryte and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Baryte 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 Baryte and Afghanite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Baryte and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.