Baryte and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Flexible
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
  
2.20-2.40
  
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
  
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
  
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
  
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
  
2
  
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)
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.