Bustamite and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Partly soluble in HCl.
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.32-3.43
  
2.40
  
Fracture
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
  
Cleavage
{100} perfect; {110} and {1 1 0} good; {010} poor
  
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
  
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
  
6-6.5
  
Chemical Composition
(Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
Bustamite and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Bustamite and Petalite 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 Bustamite and Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Bustamite- (Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Bustamite and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Bustamite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Bustamite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Bustamite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.