Caledonite and Alunite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
5.6-5.76
  
2.6-2.9
  
Fracture
Uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
  
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Cleavage
[001] perfect; [100] distinct
  
On {0001}, perfect
  
Mohs Hardness
2.5-3
  
3.5-4
  
Chemical Composition
Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
  
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
Caledonite and Alunite Chemical Formula
While comparing Caledonite and Alunite 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 Caledonite and Alunite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Caledonite and Alunite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Caledonite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Caledonite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Caledonite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.