Baryte and Wavellite Physical Properties
Solubility
Soluble
insoluble
Specific Gravity
4.3-5
2.36
Fracture
Irregular/uneven
Uneven, Subconchoidal, Fibrous
Cleavage
Perfect cleavage parallel to base and prism faces: {001} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
[110] perfect, [101] good, [010] distinct
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
BaSO4
Al 3(PO 4) 2(OH,F) 3 · 5H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Baryte and Wavellite Chemical Formula
While comparing Baryte and Wavellite 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 Wavellite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Baryte- BaSO4
- Chemical formula of Wavellite- Al 3(PO 4) 2(OH,F) 3 · 5H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Baryte and Wavellite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Baryte and Wavellite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Baryte and Wavellite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Baryte is 2.36 whereas that of Wavellite is 2.36.