Calcite and Marcasite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.67-2.73
4.80-4.90
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55
{010} Indistinct
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Calcite and Marcasite Chemical Formula
While comparing Calcite 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 Calcite and Marcasite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Calcite and Marcasite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Calcite and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Calcite and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Calcite is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.