Calcite and Petalite Physical Properties
Solubility
Soluble
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.67-2.73
2.40
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Calcite and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Calcite 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 Calcite and Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Calcite and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Calcite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Calcite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Calcite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.