Cassiterite and Austinite Physical Properties

Cassiterite

Austinite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

insoluble

Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

6.86-7.034.12

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Irregular

Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}

Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-74-4.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

Cassiterite and Austinite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cassiterite and Austinite 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 Austinite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

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Cassiterite and Austinite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cassiterite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cassiterite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cassiterite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.