Biotite and Howlite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.7-3.3
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Uneven, Even, Yellow, White
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on the {001}
None
Mohs Hardness
2.5-3.0
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Biotite and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Biotite and Howlite 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 Biotite and Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Biotite- K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Biotite and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Biotite and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Biotite and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Biotite is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.