Calcite and Malachite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.67-2.73
3.25-4.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
Cu2CO3(OH)2
Calcite and Malachite Chemical Formula
While comparing Calcite and Malachite 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 Calcite and Malachite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
Calcite and Malachite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Calcite and Malachite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Calcite and Malachite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Calcite is 3.25-4.10 whereas that of Malachite is 3.25-4.10.