Baryte and Gypsum Physical Properties

Baryte

Gypsum

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Flexible

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

4.3-52.20-2.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Irregular/uneven

Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3-3.52

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Not Available

CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Baryte and Gypsum Chemical Formula

While comparing Baryte and Gypsum 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 Gypsum chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Compare Blue Gemstones

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Baryte and Gypsum Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.