Cassiterite and Alunite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
insoluble
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
6.86-7.03
  
2.6-2.9
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Irregular
  
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Cleavage
{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}
  
On {0001}, perfect
  
Mohs Hardness
6-7
  
3.5-4
  
Chemical Composition
SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
Cassiterite and Alunite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cassiterite 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 Cassiterite and Alunite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Cassiterite and Alunite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cassiterite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cassiterite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cassiterite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.