Baryte and Marcasite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
4.80-4.90
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
{010} Indistinct
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Not Available
FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Baryte and Marcasite Chemical Formula
While comparing Baryte and Marcasite 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 Marcasite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Baryte and Marcasite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.