Baryte and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Not Available
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Baryte and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Baryte and Esperite 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 Esperite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Baryte and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.