Baryte and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
Not Available
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Baryte and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Baryte 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 Baryte and Forsterite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Baryte and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.